TCK & CCK multi-arts project: CHAMELEON

New video posted from Toronto Fringe 2011!

2012-01-17T12:30:00.000-08:00

I'm finally getting around to posting some video footage highlights from Toronto Fringe last summer! Here's Lauren & Tsubasa's duet to TCK Nikki's story about her experience of growing up in Japan and hanging out with other children of a different culture but embracing that culture as her own.

Choreography by Alaine Handa in collaboration with the dancers
Dancers: Lauren Calzolaio, Tsubasa Ogawa
Film: "I am a TCK" directed/produced by Alaine Handa, Film editing by Nicholas Fox & Alaine Handa; Nikki Felt appears in this film clip

For more information about A.H. Dance Company please visit http://www.ahdancecompany.com

Happy New Year!

2012-01-03T11:06:00.000-08:00

May your 2012 be filled with creativity, good health, laughter, and happiness!

Another birthday followed by the holiday season, and another New Year's... it seems like Nov.-Jan. is a whirlwind every year and I get sucked into it then immediately spit out suddenly by mid-Jan.

I have lots of travel plans for 2012 and hopefully some of those travel plans also include A.H. Dance Company performances and workshops....

First up for 2012 is the APAP weekend (for those not-in-the-know... it is the Association of Performing Arts Presenters conference this weekend) and we are showcasing with Jodi Kaplan's Booking Dance at the prestigious Ailey Citigroup Theatre in the Alvin Ailey Dance Centre right in Midtown/Hell's Kitchen. This is our third APAP and a different venue for us this time. There's quite the lineup of artists showcasing at the same venue so hope you can check it out!

Speaking of APAP - we would like to extend the invite to you (our loyal readers!) to come see our 20 minute showcase. We will be presenting a 20 min. excerpt of Chameleon, the Experiences of Global Citizens

You're invited to a party this weekend!

2011-11-29T00:13:00.000-08:00

Photography by Alicia Kurniawan

Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving and digested your meals because.... A.H. Dance Company is turning 4!

Artistic Director, Alaine Handa just turned 28!

Its a triple birthday because AHDC dancer, Anne Versluis is turning 28!!!!
Many reasons to celebrate...

Most importantly, its that time of year again when we give thanks to all our wonderful supporters by throwing everyone a party at our favorite bar.

Pair that with fabulous raffle prizes, mini performances, drink specials, birthday cake, performance footage from Toronto, and great company...!

Location: Stone Creek Bar, 140 E. 27th Street, New York, NY 10016 (East 27th street between Lexington ave and Third ave)
6 train to 28th street
M23 to Lexington
M103 to 27th street

7:30-11 pm

Come early and do some holiday shopping with a Stella and Dot stylist, Katherine Clay www.stelladot.com/katherineclay
7:30-8:30 pm Stella and Dot Trunk Show!

Performances: a capella music by Human Drum Machine & friends, Howie Solo, A.H. Dance Company & surprise guests

$15 min. get you 5 raffle tickets, $20 gets you 10 raffle tickets! (You choose which prizes you'd like to win!)
Cash or check at the door, Advance Paypal tickets are also accepted

Raffle prizes:
Brooklyn Brewery http://www.brooklynbrewery.com/
Chelsea Piers http://www.chelseapiers.com/
The Luxury Spot http://www.theluxuryspot.com/
Aqualia Spa http://www.aqualiaspa.com/
Beautiful Faces http://alainemakeupartist.blogspot.com/
Jivamukti Yoga http://www.jivamuktiyoga.com/
Dance of my Hands http://symmetryofgrace.blogspot.com/
Stella and Dot - Katherine Clay http://www.stelladot.com/katherineclay
Flamenco con Magdalena - http://www.flamenco-con-magdalena.com/
Everyday Crochet by Doris Chan - http://dorischancrochet.com/

More to come!

*** If for some reason, you can't make it to the party (shame on you! but I understand... location, schedule conflicts, etc.) - you can still help A.H. Dance Company by donating any amount (no amount is too small and every cent and dollar will go towards dancer stipends, production costs (costumes, rehearsal space, publicity), touring costs, etc.

By donating to A.H. Dance Company your fully tax-deductible donation will go directly to artist salaries, production costs and the creation of new work. Give now, and see the benefits of your contributions in our upcoming performances.

A.H. Dance Co. is a non profit arts organization functioning under the fiscal sponsor of The Solo Foundation, Inc. The Solo Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)3 non profit arts organization that acts as an umbrella to small artist groups in the New York area.

All donations made to The Solo Foundation earmarked for Alaine Handa and Dancers is fully tax deductible by full extent of the law. For more information about The Solo Foundation please email Howard Seligman at howiesolo@yahoo.com

Checks can be mailed directly to The Solo Foundation at 15 W. 28th Street, RM 7A, New York, NY 10001

Photography by Mei Chen Lioe

Happy Thanksgiving & A Holiday Party invitation

2011-11-21T23:41:00.001-08:00

As the holidays approach, I'm overwhelmed by the sense of community that I've created here in New York. My extended New York family of friends, distant relatives, colleagues, performers, artists, and even my students at the schools I teach. I've created a network and its ever-expanding to reach more and more people.
I'm finding it very difficult to leave this place because I spent the last 7 years of my post-college working young adult life here. Perhaps this is what our TCK parents feel when they set up their job, family, and physical home. How do you pause everything for a career move or in my case, move to be closer to family for a while and hope that when I come back I can pick up wherever I left off. How do I continue my career while in a different location where opportunities are even fewer and not the right match for me?

With that said, I'm very thankful for the life I'm leading here in New York and I have my community to thank as well as my family. My birthday is this Sunday, and this will be the 10th birthday here in the States, I cannot believe that 10 years has passed.

I would like to cordially invite you to A.H. Dance Company's Holiday Fundraiser/ my 28th Birthday party on Dec. 3rd. Details below....

- Alaine

Its that time of year again when we give thanks to all our wonderful supporters by throwing everyone a party at our favorite bar, Stone Creek Bar, 140 E. 27th St, New York, NY

Pair that with fabulous raffle prizes, mini performances, drink specials, bake sale, birthday cake, performance footage from Toronto, and great company...!

Come early and do some holiday shopping with a Stella and Dot stylist, Katherine Clay! www.stelladot.com/katherineclay
7:30-8:30 pm Stella and Dot Trunk Show!

Performances: a capella music by Human Drum Machine & friends, A.H. Dance Company

$15 min. get you 5 raffle tickets, $20 gets you 10 raffle tickets!

Raffle prizes:
Brooklyn Brewery http://www.brooklynbrewery.com/
Chelsea Piers http://www.chelseapiers.com/
The Luxury Spot http://www.theluxuryspot.com/
Aqualia Spa http://www.aqualiaspa.com/
Beautiful Faces http://alainemakeupartist.blogspot.com/
Jivamukti Yoga http://www.jivamuktiyoga.com/
Dance of my Hands http://symmetryofgrace.blogspot.com/
Stella and Dot - Katherine Clay http://www.stelladot.com/katherineclay
La Magdalena http://www.flamenco-con-magdalena.com/

Watch the APAP 2011 Showcase of Chameleon

2011-09-28T12:39:00.000-07:00

I've uploaded the full 20 min. showcase from the Association of Performing Arts Presenters 2011 Showcase at Dance New Amsterdam. This was in Jan. 2011.

I'll be posting up some new trailer videos with footage from our performances in Canada soon!

2011-08-08T17:35:00.000-07:00

Alaine Handa of A.H. Dance Company – 2011 Toronto Fringe Dance Interviews

By Lucy Rupert

"LR: Can you define for us the Third Culture Kid (TCK)?

AH: A Third Culture Kid (TCK) is someone who has grown up in different cultures and belong to all of them but also not fully able to belong. The TCK is a chameleon, fitting in and being the outsider looking in at the same time. Not fully grasping the concept of home from the physical sense. Instead home becomes a memory, a feeling, and the emotion of being at ease wherever you are.

LR: In the early 20th century many Europeans felt this same sensation, particularly in the inter-war years when borders and “nations” were changing rapidly and dramatically.

AH: Third Culture Kids around the globe share these sentiments regardless of age, race, heritage, geographic location, and socio-economic status."

2011-08-08T17:20:00.000-07:00

Chameleon (A.H. Dance Company) – 2011 Toronto Fringe Review

By Tiffany Budhyanto

"My favourite part of this show is the dancing – it is intimate, unique, and full of intent. The multimedia is a great partner to the dance as well."

NOW Magazine // Stage Listings // Chameleon, The Experience Of Global Citizens

2011-07-09T10:56:00.000-07:00

NOW Magazine // Stage Listings // Chameleon, The Experience Of Global Citizens

Toronto: We're headed your way!

2011-06-15T20:47:00.000-07:00

Canadian Send off party & Benefit Performance

2011-06-10T13:03:00.000-07:00

June 29, 2011
Location:

Young Dancers in Repertory

5602 Fifth Avenue

Brooklyn, New York

Pre-performance Q+A and mini dance workshop starting at 6!
Performance will start around 7:15 pm
Come early to get a seat! Limited Seating.
Wine, Cheese, Snacks following the performance.

$10-15 Suggested Donation
*All proceeds will go towards transportation, accommodation, and performer stipends for our tour.

Catch the full length version of Chameleon before we go on the road!

AHDC is heading off to Toronto this summer to perform at the Toronto Fringe Festival. We will be taking Chameleon, the experience of global citizens there and can't wait to share it with the multicultural Toronto audience.

Young Dancers in Repertory has graciously opened up their space to us for a informal Benefit performance & send off party.

Here's the FB invite for the performances in Toronto, please forward them to friends and family that you know in Toronto: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=191438540904473

Photo credit: Nicholas Fox

Chameleon 2011 Trailer

2011-05-31T14:14:00.000-07:00

Chameleon, the experience of global citizens: 2011 Trailer from Alaine Handa on Vimeo.

Choreography by Alaine Handa & Dancers
"I am a TCK" film Directed by Alaine Handa, Editing by Nicholas Fox & Alaine Handa
Dancers: Alaine Handa, Laura Lamp, Anna Louise Herzog, Tsubasa Ogawa, Olivea Shure, Lauren Calzolaio, Lara Sofia Romero
Prop Design: Natalia Krasnodebska

Special Thanks to interviewees: Nikki Felt, Zachary Tewalthomas, Teresa Aradhana Hinds, Shayna Padovano, Ryan Tish, Ryan Kendle, Michael Chan, Natalia Krasnodebska, Simon Roberts, Reena Vadehra, Miko Mercer, Melissa Diaz Viera

Chameleon is supported in part by funds from the Singapore Internationale grant administered by Singapore International Foundation (www.sif.org.sg)
With additional support by the following individuals, companies, and organizations: TCKid, Aga Magdolen, Tina Quick, Jo Parfitt, Nicholas Fox, Eddie Hussein Nwabuoku, Ann Gould, Andrew Avery Smith, Nancy Henderson-James, Sabajin McGray, Reena Vadehra, Ann Mazzoca, Lauren Rayner Productions, Doris Chan, Natalia Krasnodebska, Miko Mercer, Tiara the Merch Girl, Emery Brenner, Rob Oandasan, Albert Gumilang, Eveline Dorothy Chang, Melanie Eyth
In-Kind donations: The Luxury Spot, Argo Tea, Go Smile, Skin MD Natural, The Great Collide, Aqualia Spa, Holistic Health Fusion, Projet F, By Natalia Jewelry, Dance of my Hands Publishing, The Skinny, Everyday Crochet, YOR Health, Beautiful Faces, Stone Creek Bar

Chameleon premiered during the Spring 2010 as part of the Performance Project @ University Settlement in New York City.

Upcoming Performances during the Toronto Fringe Festival July 8-17, 2011; http://www.fringetoronto.com

For more information about Chameleon please visit http://tckcckahdanceproject.blogspot.com

For booking Chameleon for performances, workshops, and discussions on global citizenship please contact A.H. Dance Company ahdancecompany@gmail.com

Pictures from Cool NY 2011

2011-05-17T12:08:00.000-07:00

We performed a short excerpt from Chameleon at the Cool New York Dance Festival in February 2011 and I received the CD of pictures taken during the performances. I want to share them with you because the pictures came out amazing.

Photography by Yi-Chun Wu

If you're in Toronto, Please save the dates to see Chameleon in your city!

July 6, 2011 Dance Workshop at O.I.P. Dance Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada. 4-6 pm. C$20 per person

July 6-17, 2011 Toronto Fringe Festival. Toronto, ON, Canada. http://www.fringetoronto.com/
Location: Helen Gardiner Phelan Playhouse, 79A Saint George Street, Toronto, ON, Canada
C$10

Friday, July 8, 2011 - 10:30pm - 11:30pm
Sunday, July 10, 2011 - 7:15pm - 8:15pm
Tuesday, July 12, 2011 - 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Wednesday, July 13, 2011 - 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Thursday, July 14, 2011 - 11:15pm - Friday, July 15, 2011 - 12:15am
Friday, July 15, 2011 - 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Sunday, July 17, 2011 - 5:45pm - 6:45pm

(If you're a TCK in Toronto - check out the Toronto Third Culture Kids group on Facebook!)

TCK Photography for Chameleon project by Lauryn Ishak

2011-05-09T14:50:00.001-07:00

Photography & Story by Lauryn Ishak

When I was young, I never dreamed of having the life I have today. I have been absurdly lucky to have had a multi-cultured upbringing and education and privileged enough to be able to choose to do what I love most, ignited by my TCK experiences.

I was born in Germany to a German / Bahasa speaking parents, but quickly moved back to Indonesia, spending my childhood living a simple but comfortable life. My TCK life started when I was eleven. I moved to Hong Kong where I attended a German-speaking school because I spoke no English. The idea of leaving my extended family and friends behind was simply beyond my comprehension, and the prospect adjusting to a foreign place where I understood no one and thought no one understood me simply compounded my “misery”. However, as time passed, I began to appreciate my new surroundings. It allowed me to travel, meet new friends and most of all, broaden my perspectives on life.

Remembrance is a huge part of the TCK life. Every so often a new life awaits, somewhere else, somewhere foreign. These life changes are exciting but terrifying at the same time. It requires you to put your faith in something new that you’ve never dreamed of; putting your faith into something you can’t see.

As a TCK, you take your past experiences to your next destination and those cumulative experiences shape your character and sense of values. You become more aware and respectful towards the variety of cultures in your world – especially when you go on to live in multi-cultural, multi-religious cities like New York and Singapore.

I hesitate when people ask where I’m from. After all these years, I’ve still not perfected an answer. Frankly, I don’t know where home is at this stage of my life and am not inclined to pick one. Home is wherever I currently am. Fifteen years on, I can’t imagine life being any different than it is today.

Today, I feel blessed to be able to capture stories and beautiful things in this world through my lens. My upbringing has turned me some sort of globe trekker, growing restless when an overseas assignment isn’t on the cards for a prolonged period of time.

Lauryn Ishak is a photographer currently based in Singapore. She holds a BFA in Photography and Imaging from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. Visit her website here.

(Above) Pbotography (c) Joe Flood, Alaine Handa performing Chameleon @ Capital Fringe Festival w/ Lauryn Ishak's photography as a backdrop.

Meet the dancer: Olivea Shure

2011-04-28T11:33:00.001-07:00

real name ? Olivea
nickname ? Oli, Ollie

Do you believe in...
miracles ? Yes, at least 3/day!

love at first sight ? Yes, especially with shoes

LAST GIFT YOU RECEIVED? a fun and pretty ring from my sister-in-law

LAST THING YOU SPENT A LOT OF MONEY ON? a tempur-pedic mattress pad, I
just received it today! Oh holy day! :)

ONE FAVORITE SONG? this one's an ode to not so way back when: Say It
Ain't So by WEEZER

CAN YOU SING? When I was 4 I memorized and sang all songs from
Madonna's Like A Virgin album into a hair brush in my living room,
secretly I like to think im still so diva

If I wasn't a dancer.... I'd be a photographer and write like advice
columnist, Cary Tennis!

Celebrity Crush... Ewan McGregor (swoon!)

Favorite Food(s)? French macaroons, anything prepared by my husband :)

One thing I can't live without? DANCE

Last book I read? Committed by Elizabeth Gilbert

Favorite Dancer/Choreographer/Company? Petronio

More Cultural Chameleons in the community

2011-04-12T08:09:00.000-07:00

We performed at The Caring Community senior center yesterday in Tribeca. The community loved it and they were very receptive to the piece. Many of them are cross-cultural themselves and the piece really touched them.

Here are a few pictures that Olivea Shure's (one of our dancers) husband Rann Golamco took during the performance and Q+A.

More Community events coming up next! Come join us - both events are free to the public!

April 16, 2011: Celebrating Diversity Through Dance - hosted by Young Dancers in Repertory
1-2 pm at Sunset Park Recreation Center, 7th Avenue & 43rd St. in Brooklyn.
We will be performing portions of Chameleon and teaching some of repertory from Chameleon to participants!

More Information:
Young Dancers In Repertory's annual FREE multicultural Dance Workshops in honor of Immigrant Heritage Week, will coincide with Global Youth Service Day-an initiative to get youth involved in their communities- on April 16th! Celebrating Diversity Through Dance, is an annual event sponsored by Young Dancers In Repertory, Friends of Sunset Park, and the Sunset Park Recreation Center. Events will be held at the Sunset Park Recreation Center located at 7th Avenue and 43rd St., Brooklyn, NY. Workshops in different multi-cultural dance forms will be held throughout the day between 12:00-4:00. For more information, or to RSVP, please contact Young Dancers In Repertory at 347-702-7155.

April 20, 2011: National Dance Week Kick off event - hosted by Young Dancers in Repertory
5-6:30 pm at Young Dancers in Repertory NEW Center for Dance Studies, 5602 5th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY
We will be performing portions of Chameleon followed by a lecture/demonstration about our collaborative creative process.

More Information:
In honor of National Dance Week, YDR will hold several workshops, classes, showings and lecture demonstrations in a multitude of dance disciplines. Come try a contemporary jazz or salsa classs, learn about the history of modern dance, and watch up and coming YDR teaching artists perform with their professional dance companies. For more information or to register, please call 347-702-7155.

Chameleon project - TCK arts in the community

2011-04-07T09:03:00.000-07:00

Chameleon Project- TCK Arts in the Community from Alaine Handa on Vimeo.

For more information about Chameleon project please visit http://tckcckahdanceproject.blogspot.com

Families in Global Transition Conference 2011: Reflections on my sessions

2011-03-24T09:37:00.000-07:00

(Photograph taken during the panel discussion of the Families in Global Transition Conference)

The Families in Global Transition Conference of 2011 came and went. I wanted to vlog after day two but I was so exhausted that I just crashed. So many new friends, new connections, and seeing old friends, rekindling connections. Its amazing that a conference of Third Culture Kids, Cross Culture Kids, Third Culture Adults, TCK Researchers, Expatriates, Relocation & Transitions experts, Global Coaches, TCK/TCA/CCK/Expat Writers, and of course Artists (there were a handful of us this year!) can connect on so many different levels. Its no wonder that this conference is called "Families".

I presented twice on Friday (day two) of the conference during the "Kitchen Table Conversations" and the "Kitchen Table Conversation alternatives".

I spoke about how to create an active TCK community and used Chameleon as the project example but also spoke about my role as event organizer of the NYC TCK Meetup group. I utilized my alumni network, social media, and research skills to create a healthy TCK network to rekindle friendships and make new friends, who all happen to be TCKs. Stressing that you're there to make connections and friends is important b/c building a trust among friendships is the key to maintaining that connection. As humans we strive for a commonality among us when we strike up a conversation so its important that if we are to gain new friends that are TCKs to find those commonalities. I also showed an edited mash up video of the community based activities we've done with Chameleon so far to create a sense of community and a short clip of our performances in various settings.

During the Kitchen Table Alternatives, I started with a movement improvisation "ice-breaker" using the props that TCK jewelry designer, Natalia Krasnodebska created for Chameleon w/ the group. We moved with the prop singly (w/ our eyes closed so we're not self-conscious) then "connected" with a partner then as a whole group creating a "twister" like effect which made everyone smile. The next activity we did is a free-write for 5 minutes. Everyone chose a piece of colored paper and wrote for 5 minutes. During a free-write, the person writes without censoring themselves and it can be prose, poetry, words, scribbles. After the 5 minutes, I had everyone read out loud to themselves their musings. We circled important words, phrases, sentences and then shared them with partners. I found that the way chose to organize our thoughts on paper, our choice of words/phrases were a reflection of who we are as individuals and how we approach certain topics, situations, problem solve, etc. I thought that was an interesting discovery. The next activity involved drawing "When I think of home, I think of..." & "Home means... to me". I mentioned that the choice of color that each person chose is also a reflection of who you are and that color may evoke a certain happy memory. Colors are strong memory markers that can evoke feelings, memories that may or may not be remembered otherwise. After the drawing exercise, we created movement that was a response to our drawing which can be literal or abstract. I then played the role of choreographer and placed everyone in a formation that was fitting for their movement to reflect the whole group as a whole. I discovered that almost everyone in the room had a flight-y or moving sense to their movement while my dear boyfriend who is a CCK sat down in a meditative pose while everyone swirled around. That was our dance.

This kind of process is also my process for creating movement for Chameleon there's a sense of trust and community when working with my dancers in this way. I also find that these mini-activities can also be used to "un-block" memories and experiences that we've held in our sub-conscious for a while. Tapping into the unconscious latent desires and feelings. The writers in the room were having a mental block in their process of writing their book so I hope that this session helped release or ease that "blockage". I find that quite a number TCKs tend to hold back on a lot of memories/experiences for fear of being misunderstood, ridicule, and use defense mechanisms to "block" these things out for survival. When all of these "blocks" are created over the years and build up, this can actually hinder us from moving forward and overcoming relationship problems, career problems, and even developmental growth.

I am still in the process of breaking down some of these "blocks" that hinder my growth.

(More thoughts to come about the remainder of the conference later..)

Families in Global Transition Conference 2011 Day One

2011-03-17T18:32:00.000-07:00

FIGT 2011 Vlog post: Day One from Alaine Handa on Vimeo.

My end of the day thoughts after Day One of the Families in Global Transition Conference 2011.

Families in Global Transition Conference 2010 notes (highlights) AND upcoming 2011 plans

2011-03-15T08:38:00.000-07:00

As some of you know, I attended last year's Families in Global Transitions Conference on a full scholarship and also presented my session "The Expat Experience through the Arts" in which I did a mini-dance workshop for the attendees in my session. I found some of the notes I took during the conference and wanted to share with you some highlights:

From Joyce Bennett's "The Multicultural Self in the Intercultural World" session:

When we adapt…. We adapt a lot. Adapting to all those difference, then you realize one day when you wake up…. Who am I?

Living on the edge of two cultures.

“I will never be a part of these cultures… I will always be on the edge”

Being the dominant culture during the day and then going home to a different culture.

Bringing in your multi-cultural self to the office to gain more productivity

Impact of going overseas and then come back:

- The shocking find some people that hated going abroad and then came back with less cultural sensitivity

- When you go educate the person in that country the result is a lot more positive

- Getting people a safe place gives them more learning in that context – going to their “home” while they are abroad so they can compare notes

From Ruth Van Reken's "Teaching Locally, Thinking Globally: Helping School Educators Understand the Third Culture Kid Experience" session:

Academic learning may suffer if student doesn’t understand expectations of new school

What happens if educators don’t recognize these often hidden cross-cultural experiences among students?

- Social interactions may be misinterpretated

- Students can be shamed in many ways

o Stories may not be trusted

o May be accused of bragging

o Even teacher’s teasing can shame (story of DW)

- The wealth of what they know through life itself is lost to the class

- Child can be placed in wrong grade

- Learning disabilities may be overlooked

What are some obstacles to their awareness?

- Many teachers in local schools have not knowingly lived among different cultural worlds

- If acknowledged, TCKs may be seen as “elite few”

- Often cultural diversity of TCKs is invisible

- Old diversity models not adequate for today’s changing world

Immigrants are also having TCK-like experiences because they juggle between world

Educating teachers – tell the story by listening to the childrens’ story what they had to say and have them discuss amongst themselves so that every one can discuss where their story comes from

Diversity is not simply a difference in the visible layers of culture

How do you transition within your culture?

I'll be presenting again at this year's FIGT conference in Washington DC this week and I'll be taking notes, blogging, tweeting, posting pics, and maybe if I have time some vlogging too.

Here are my session descriptions:

Kitchen Table Conversations 1:

Building a TCK Community Through the Arts
Alaine Handa

I spent the past year developing and showcasing my multi-disciplinary arts project, Chameleon. Every person involved in the project is either a TCK or CCK. The support from the TCK community has been wonderful. In this table conversation, I want to show you short video clips of the responses from our community-based activities. The TCK community can be united outside of the School-Church-University club setting, even with our busy lives.

Kitchen Table Alternatives 2:

Unleashing Your Creative Potential Through the Arts
Alaine Handa

Do you get a “block” trying to write your article/book, choreograph a dance, paint a picture, design an outfit, etc.? In this session, mini-activities using movement, character writing, art therapy, and free-write will be introduced, to help you unlock creative potential that can become material for your work. TCKs are rich with unconscious thoughts that may or may not have been repressed. By unleashing these vulnerable thoughts, we let go of what we have kept “locked” inside and can use it as material to move on with our mobile lives.

I hope you check out Families in Global Transitions Conference and follow my live tweets @ahdancecompany (to follow other folks at the conference who will be live tweeting search for #FIGTConf)

Dancing with props: Rehearsal video from Fall 2010

2011-03-02T21:09:00.000-08:00

Rehearsal footage from Chameleon, Fall 2010

Dancer in the video: Lara Sofia Romero, Laura Lamp, Heather Wigmore, Sheila Klein, Tsubasa Ogawa

Choreography by Alaine Handa and Dancers

Prop Design by Natalia Krasnodebska (Check out her website! www.bynatalia.com)

More video links of dancing with the props:

Emily & Shayna's solo & monologue http://www.vimeo.com/12857959

Anna & Ivi's solo http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AEu9J5Gz8kA

Chameleon excerpt from "Converge" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0z7vHijLAXs

Alaine Handa will be presenting at Families in Global Transitions Conference March 17-19

2011-02-28T23:40:00.000-08:00

I will be presenting two topics at the Families in Global Transitions Conference held in Washington DC this year on March 17-19, 2011.

Check out the list of presenters: http://www.figt.org/Default.aspx?pageId=904056

Kitchen Table Conversations I

Building a TCK Community Through the Arts
Alaine Handa

Unleashing Your Creative Potential Through the Arts
Alaine Handa

Check out the article on Give & Get NYC + Volunteering opportunity w/ A.H. Dance Co.

2011-02-16T13:57:00.000-08:00

Spotlight on A.H. Dance Company from Give and Get NYC: http://giveandgetnyc.org/2011/01/27/send-a-h-dance-company-to-china/

Thanks Rachel for taking the time to write up about us!

Volunteers needed right away!
Volunteers to help with arts administrative duties. Approx. 1-3 hrs per week.
Grant writing, grant research, marketing, publicity, booking performances, fundraising, event planning, scheduling rehearsal space, organization, proofreading, etc.

To find out more about A.H. Dance Company please visit: www.ahdancecompany.com

Please contact Alaine Handa at ahdancecompany@gmail.com with your availability and what you would like to volunteer with.

Pictures from APAP 2011

2011-02-07T16:59:00.000-08:00

I got some fabulous pictures from the showcase performance of Chameleon during APAP 2011 at Dance New Amsterdam that I took. Enjoy!

AEP: MAPPING HOME Group Interview - Kinesis Project - Event #KinesisProject

2011-02-06T15:59:00.000-08:00

Check out this project!
Fellow Choreographer, Melissa Riker is doing a piece about the concepts of "Home"
(Former guest dancer of Chameleon, Jun Lee, is involved in this project!)

AEP: MAPPING HOME Group Interview - Kinesis Project - Event #KinesisProject

Send us to foreign lands!

2011-01-19T16:20:00.000-08:00

There's less than 2 weeks left on our Kickstarter campaign so please spare a few dollars to "back" our project and spread the link around to your friends!

We are also looking for fabulous volunteers to help our project reach more communities around the globe. Especially looking for fundraisers, event planners, marketing/publicity, administrators. Contact us at ahdancecompany@gmail.com

APAP 2011 Showcase information

2011-01-04T13:36:00.000-08:00

Jan. 7 & 9, 2011 APAP Conference Performance Showcase at Dance New Amsterdam, 280 Broadway (Entrance on Chambers St).

Jan. 7 @ 8:50 pm and Jan. 9 @ 5:20 pm.

Showcases are free and open to the public. Limited Seating.

For more information about the APAP Showcases at DNA please visit:

http://www.dnadance.org/site/performances/apap-2011/

Choreography by Alaine Handa and Dancers

Dancers performing this weekend: Ivilisse Esguerra, Sheila Klein, Laura Lamp, Tsubasa Ogawa, Lara Sofia Romero, Heather Wigmore

Prop Design by Natalia Krasnodebska

Featuring the documentary film "I am a TCK" - Directed by Alaine Handa and photography by Albert Gumilang, Rob Oandasan, and Lauryn Ishak

More Information about Chameleon:
Chameleon is a multi-disciplinary presentation about global citizens who have been exposed to several cultures in their developmental years. Exploring the notions of home, cultural identity and relationships through film, spoken word, theater, photography and dance, Chameleon draws on the insight and experience of Third Culture Kids: those who have spent a significant period of time in a culture other than their own. Home, cultural identity, and relationships in the context of multi-cultural and cross-cultural influences are explored through performance. This project is suitable for all ages and can be presented in conjunction with community arts based workshops in dance, spoken word, poetry, visual arts, jewelry design, theater, photography, and film.

Meet the dancer: Laura Lamp

2011-01-02T20:01:00.000-08:00

real name ? Laura
hair color ? Brown, but it looks black.

Do you believe in...
yourself ? Yes
miracles ? Yes

LAST GIFT YOU RECEIVED? Aila by Rinko Kawauchi

ONE FAVORITE SONG? Sarabande in Handel's Keyboard suite in D minor

WHERE'S YOUR FAVORITE PLACE TO EAT WITH FRIENDS? The Heidelberg Restaurant

MOST DISLIKED FOOD? Ginger

FAVORITE MOVIE? Baraka.

FAVORITE VACATION SPOT? Kauai

If I wasn't a dancer.... I would be working in photography

Celebrity Crush... Johnny Depp

What countries have you visited? Germany, France, Italy, Mexico, Canada

Favorite Food(s)? Sauerkraut, Goulash Soup, empanadas, filet mignon

One thing I can't live without? Sun

Last book I read? Eden by Pablo Holmberg... now reading The Golden
Ratio by Mario Livio

Favorite Dancer/Choreographer/Company? The Mark Morris Dance Group

Meet the dancer: Ivilisse Esguerra

2011-01-01T16:01:00.000-08:00

real name ? Ivilisse
nickname ? Ivi, Bee, Squirrel

height ? 5'2 and a half (the half counts!)

broken any bones ? Only both pinky toes (let's keep it that way ;)

Do you believe in...
yourself ? mostly
miracles ? yes!
love at first sight ? No; attraction yes; but real love grows like roots.

LAST GIFT YOU RECEIVED? Smartwool socks -- they're wonderful. it's like dancing on five layers of carpet.

LAST THING YOU SPENT A LOT OF MONEY ON? Supersoft large sweater I'm going to live in all winter.

WHERE'S YOUR FAVORITE PLACE TO EAT WITH FRIENDS? Franny's in BK, Mas (farmhouse) and Soto -- best Japanese restaurant in NYC -- Chef Soto's plates are exquisite and delicious.

LONGEST SHIFT YOU HAVE WORKED AT A JOB? 20 hours, teaching, correcting and prepping as a humanities high school teacher

FAVORITE MOVIE? Sense and Sensibility (Andrew Davies), Rivers and Tides (Andy Goldsworthy), anything Monty Python

CAN YOU SING? Yes -- best around a campfire or a walk in the woods.

FAVORITE VACATION SPOT? Yorkshire, Cornwall, Sagres ... or any small seaside village with cliffs and beautiful beaches.

If I wasn't a dancer.... I would be teach English, History and Music at a Waldorf School

What countries have you visited? Philippines, Japan, Singapore, Thailand, the UK, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, Belgium, Holland, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Canada and the U.S.

How many languages do you speak? Fluent in Tagalog (Philippine), English, German; some Japanese (studied it in college but forgot a lot of it!), and some French.

Where have you lived? Manila, L.A., New York, New Jersey, Germany, Japan and the UK.

Favorite Food(s)? Tuna and yellowtail sashimi, arugula, peanut butter and chocolate chip cookies, cow's milk cheese and ice cream (too bad I'm lactose-intolerant!)

One thing I can't live without? Nature, art, England (born Anglophile ;)

Last book I read? Changing My Mind by Zadie Smith

Favorite Dancer/Choreographer/Company? Gallim Dance Company; Ohad Naharin/Batsheva

New Videos posted on Vimeo!

2010-12-31T16:31:00.000-08:00

"Frozen Memories" (excerpt from Chameleon) at the Amalgamate Artist Series Showcase from Alaine Handa on Vimeo.

Choreography by Alaine Handa
Dancers: Ivilisse Esguerra, Alaine Handa, Sheila Klein, Lara Sofia Romero

Chameleon @ Meridian International Children's Festival from Alaine Handa on Vimeo.

Choreography by Alaine Handa and dancers
Dancers: Alaine Handa, Anna Louise Herzog, Ivilisse Esguerra, Emily Mercer
Prop Design by Natalia Krasnodebska

Music in video: soulofbass, Sheila Chandra, i hate this place
Text by Alex Graham James, Leilani Chan, Edith Södergran, Anna Louise Herzog, Ivilisse Esguerra

Special Thanks to Meridian International for hosting our performance during the International Children's Festival

Videography by Nicholas Fox

Meet the dancer: Lara Sofia Romero

2010-12-30T13:08:00.000-08:00

real name ? Lara Sofia
nickname ? LS

Do you believe in...
love at first sight ? No. Real love takes a little bit of work!

LAST THING YOU SPENT A LOT OF MONEY ON? A dress to go see New York City Ballet Nutcracker

WHERE'S YOUR FAVORITE PLACE TO EAT WITH FRIENDS? I really like Frank in the East Village.

CAN YOU COOK? Yes, I love cooking.

MOST DISLIKED FOOD? Spicy food.

LONGEST SHIFT YOU HAVE WORKED AT A JOB? 42 hours at a Law Firm

FAVORITE MOVIE? Am Le Fabuleux Destin d'Amélie Poulain and Memoirs of a Geisha

FAVORITE VACATION SPOT? So many! But beaches in Venezuela and Costa Rica, Paris, and California definitely top the list.

How many languages do you speak? English, Spanish, French, Mandarin Chinese

One thing I can't live without? My family, friends, and my 2 dogs

Last book I read? Beloved by Toni Morrison

Favorite Dancer/Choreographer/Company? Alvin Ailey

Meet the dancer: Sheila Klein

2010-12-20T15:22:00.000-08:00

real name ? Sheila
nickname ? Shy
hair color ? Blonde

Do you believe in...
miracles ? Absolutely
love at first sight ? if you let yourself feel it...

LAST GIFT YOU RECEIVED? Christmas cookie cutters from my
Grandma...VERY special

ONE FAVORITE SONG? Rehab - Amy Winehouse

FIRST FRIEND YOU'D CALL IF YOU WON THE LOTTERY? Dustin

WHERE'S YOUR FAVORITE PLACE TO EAT WITH FRIENDS? S'nice

CAN YOU COOK? Yep

FAVORITE MOVIE? Juno

CAN YOU SING? Yep...mom's a voice teacher

FAVORITE VACATION SPOT? Colorado

If I wasn't a dancer....I'd get my PhD in clinical psychology
specializing in women's health

Celebrity Doppleganger...Apparently Kelly Pickler (someone once
thought I was her on the subway)

Favorite Food(s)? Sweet potatoes, beets, and apples with peanut butter...heaven

Last book I read? Cunt, by Inga Muscio (every woman should read it!)

Favorite Dancer/Choreographer/Company? Monica Bill Barnes and Co

Meet the dancer: Heather Wigmore

2010-12-15T15:17:00.000-08:00

real name ? Heather
nickname ? Wigs, Wig-a-more, Headuh

LAST GIFT YOU RECEIVED? My uncle bought me (and my brother and sister-in-law) a Christmas tree for our apartment.

ONE FAVORITE SONG? "Like a Rolling Stone" by Bob Dylan

FIRST FRIEND YOU'D CALL IF YOU WON THE LOTTERY? One of my mathematically/statistically-inclined (i.e., nerdy) friends -- Ariella, Nicole, or Zenker -- because they would appreciate the absurdity of actually winning the lottery.

WHERE'S YOUR FAVORITE PLACE TO EAT WITH FRIENDS? The mold-infested, family-run dumpling joint in the alleyway next to my old apartment in Shanghai.

MOST DISLIKED FOOD? Regular flavor potato chips. What's the point?

CAN YOU SING? Not even close. But Karaoke is for the talented and talentless alike.

THING YOU NEVER LEAVE HOME WITHOUT? My Droid phone. My arms are evolving into robot arms like in the Droid commercials. And a notebook and pen so I can obsessively make To Do lists.

FAVORITE VACATION SPOT? Guatemala.

If I wasn't a dancer.... I would want to be a visual artist who makes awesome sculptures and installations.

Celebrity Crush... David Duchovny (specifically, in Californication)

What countries have you visited? A lot. But where I want to go to next: the salt flats in Bolivia, and Laos.

How many languages do you speak? Four: English, Chinese, Spanish, and double talk (circa 7th grade; think Gibberish, but cooler)

Where have you lived? New York City, Singapore, St. Louis, Shanghai

Favorite Food(s)? Beets, spinach, and pumpkin. And dumplings.

Favorite Dancer/Choreographer/Company? Pina Bausch

Meet the dancer: Tsubasa Ogawa

2010-12-12T11:25:00.001-08:00

real name ? TSUBASA

nickname ? Tsubie or Subie

broken any bones ? YES, spiral fractured metatarsal 5 on my left foot when I was dancing. I recovered fast and was back on stage in 3 months. also, fractured my nose during rehearsal (i got punched in the face by a male dancer... accidentally). 7 stitches on my forehead, 8 stitches on the back of my head, 8 stitches on my right foot (stepping on a nail on stage while I was dancing...)

Do you believe in...miracles ? YES!

LAST GIFT YOU RECEIVED? a package of food that my mom sent me from japan.

FIRST FRIEND YOU'D CALL IF YOU WON THE LOTTERY? I would call my mom.

MOST DISLIKED FOOD? EEL....

LONGEST SHIFT YOU HAVE WORKED AT A JOB? 15 hours at a bar.

FAVORITE MOVIE? Trainspotting and many more...

CAN YOU SING? I sing occasionally... I sing at work, too.

FAVORITE VACATION SPOT? Hawaii

If I wasn't a dancer.... I would be working 9-5.

Celebrity Crush... Edward Norton, Scarlett Johansson

What countries have you visited? Hong Kong, China, Korea, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, France, UK.

How many languages do you speak? English, Japanese, Spanish (just a little bit), Tagalog (only bad words)

Where have you lived? Japan, Pittsburgh, Boston, New York

Favorite Food(s)? Korean BBQ(especially Pork belly), Fermented soy beans, fish

One thing I can't live without? My friends who would help me and feed me when I'b broke.

Meet the choreographer/dancer: Alaine Handa

2010-12-07T09:26:00.001-08:00

I want to do something fun for the blog over the holidays and post some fun tidbits about the dancers involved in Chameleon. I'll start first with my little "survey".

real name? Alaine Handa
nickname? A-ten, Lan, Babycakes
height? 5'1"
broken any bones? Yes, I broke my ankle while figure skating at 14. Dislocated my wrist while playing basketball at 9. Almost broke my nose at 8th grade camp, instead I have 14 stitches above my right brow.

Do you believe in...
yourself ? most of the time
love at first sight ? No. There is lust at first sight but to love someone is to know someone.

is there one or more people you want to be with right now? My family in Singapore.

ONE FAVORITE SONG? Billie Jean by Michael Jackson. Love MJ!

WHERE'S YOUR FAVORITE PLACE TO EAT WITH FRIENDS? Basta Pasta is the best Italian-Japanese restaurant.

MOST DISLIKED FOOD? Mushrooms...gross

FAVORITE MOVIE? L'Auberge Espagnole

CAN YOU SING? Yes but I'm very shy about it and will only sing in the shower.

What countries have you visited? Hong Kong, Australia, USA, Singapore, Thailand, Philippines, Japan, Malaysia, Indonesia

How many languages do you speak? Bahasa Indonesia (spoken), English, Swedish (studied it for a year in college), Japanese (studied it for 7 years in grade school)

Favorite Food(s)? Xiao long bao, Pappardelle w/ Bolognaise, Noodles, Satay, Mee Rebus, Martabak, Pizza

Favorite Dancer/Choreographer/Company? Doug Varone & Dancers.

Join us for a Global Holiday Celebration!

2010-12-01T13:38:00.000-08:00

A.H. Dance Company cordially invites you to join us for a Global Holiday Celebration!

Location:

Stone Creek Bar, 140 E. 27^th St, New York, NY (between Lex. & 3^rd Ave.)

December 4, 2010

7-11 pm

$10 Minimum Donation (includes 5 raffle tickets) *

Special Performances by La Magdalena and Friends, Howie Solo and Human Drum Machine, Chrismahanukkwanzaacappella (Holiday a cappella music) and A.H. Dance Company!

All proceeds go toward supporting our tour to China.

*If you would like to purchase raffle tickets but unable to make it to the fundraiser, you can make a donation via Paypal. We will reserve tickets for you and should you win a prize (you choose what prizes you would like to win) we will contact you if you won and either ship or schedule a meeting to give you the prize.

Alaine Handa turns 27 on Nov. 27 this year and A.H. Dance Company turns 3 on Dec. 4th! (There will be birthday cake!)

Raffle Gifts sponsored by:
Sarah Jayne Solutions http://www.sarahjaynesolutions.com/

Dance of my hands http://www.danceofmyhands.com/

Aqualia Spa http://www.aqualiaspa.com/

The Great Collide http://thegreatcollide.com/blog/

By Natalia jewelry http://www.bynatalia.com/

The Luxury Spot http://www.theluxuryspot.com/

Skin MD Natural http://www.skinmdnatural.com/

Holistic Health Fusion http://www.holistichealthfusion.com/

Beautiful Faces http://alainemakeupartist.blogspot.com/

Argo Tea http://www.argotea.com/

Everyday Crochet by Doris Chan http://doriseverydaycrochet.blogspot.com/

We like to win prizes especially for a good cause!

2010-11-23T15:52:00.000-08:00

This is a photo from last year's fundraiser.
It was a really fun time with great folks and so many people won prizes!

We have amazing prizes this year from our wonderful sponsors.

If you want to purchase raffle tickets online you can via Paypal (or if you are far away and can't join us for the party). I can reserve tickets under your name and then if you win, I'll send it to you via regular post - you pay for shipping of course. :-)

$10 Min. Donation (includes 5 raffle tickets; you choose which gifts you would like to win)

Raffle Gifts sponsored by:
Sarah Jayne Solutions http://www.sarahjaynesolutions.com/

Dance of my hands http://www.danceofmyhands.com/

Aqualia Spa http://www.aqualiaspa.com/

The Great Collide http://thegreatcollide.com/blog/

By Natalia jewelry http://www.bynatalia.com/

The Luxury Spot http://www.theluxuryspot.com/

Skin MD Natural http://www.skinmdnatural.com/

Holistic Health Fusion http://www.holistichealthfusion.com/

Beautiful Faces http://alainemakeupartist.blogspot.com/

Argo Tea http://www.argotea.com/

Everyday Crochet by Doris Chan http://doriseverydaycrochet.blogspot.com/

Just wanted to let you know all the cool stuff we're getting. :-) I'm getting excited.
And if this is not a good enough reason... COME CELEBRATE MY 27TH BIRTHDAY (I TURN 27 ON NOV. 27TH - "GOLDEN" BIRTHDAY)
A.H. Dance Company is going into our 4th season and celebrating 3rd Birthday on Dec. 4th. :-)

We are trying to raise money to bring us to Guangzhou, China to teach workshops, perform, and lead discussions w/ students aged 12-15 at Utahloy International School about global citizenship, third culture kids, cross cultural communication, and cultural diplomacy through the arts. We are hoping to do this the first week of March in congruence with their Big Arts Day. They lost their drama/dance teacher and the kids are starving for an outlet to express themselves through the arts.

Location: Stone Creek Bar, 140 E. 27th St, between lexington ave and 3rd ave
7-11 pm.

Les Passagers - a movie trailer by Aga Magdolen

2010-11-19T22:44:00.001-08:00

My TCK friend based in Canada is making a documentary film about TCKs in Canada and she made such a beautiful trailer. I had originally "shared" it on facebook and "tweeted" it; the TCK/Expat community took notice and is spreading it like a wildfire. (Yay Aga!) I'm so glad that she is making this movie.
Another friend of mine, more locally based in NYC is making a documentary film about TCKs as well and tonight we had a gathering and shoot with a bunch of TCKs. Its so refreshing to be able to socialize with others of similar global backgrounds. I cherish these moments.
I predict that I will be doing more interviews and shooting extra footage for the sequel to my film or an addition (not sure which...) in the next couple years because I'm so inspired by other TCKs. Our stories need to be heard. We're not a "special breed", "privileged", "exotic", "weird", "un-patriotic", instead we can bridge cross-cultural gaps, communicate across cultures, and be a true asset to society.

SAVE THE DATE!!!!
Dec. 4, 2010.
7-11 pm.
Stone Creek Bar. 140 E. 27th St, New York, NY 10016.
A.H. Dance Company Annual Holiday Fundraiser.
Celebrate my 27th birthday. (I turn 27 this month on the 27th! - in lieu of gifts, I'm asking for donations to help fund the tour to China)
A.H. Dance Company turns 3 years old as we go into our 4th season.

We are trying to raise money to bring us to Guangzhou, China to teach workshops, perform, and lead discussions w/ students aged 12-15 at Utahloy International School about global citizenship, third culture kids, cross cultural communication, and cultural diplomacy through the arts. hey lost their drama/dance teacher an...d the kids are starving for an outlet to express themselves through the arts.

How to tour your work abroad - Miguel Gutierrez

2010-11-09T00:15:00.000-08:00

How to tour your work abroad by Miguel Gutierrez

I was just reading this article as I'm gaining insight on touring tips and information. My company and I are in the middle of reconstructing Chameleon, applying for grants to tour to China, keeping in contact with a school in China, and hopefully fostering an exchange with a local Chinese dance company as well while we're there. The article written by Miguel was like words and thoughts right out of my mouth and head. I needed a confirmation that an "emerging" choreographer went through what I'm going through right now. I'm at a crossroads, I want to spend more time in the studio working on my craft rather than worrying about money/funding/income, administrative tasks, marketing the work, and applying for festivals, showcases, residencies, grants, etc. Luckily I have a little help on the grants front. I wish I can stay on top of things better but there's only so much one person can do and keep track of. I like to think of myself as pretty savvy in terms of social media, networking, making new friends and allies. I just don't like "selling" myself - the integrity of the work and myself feels cheapened by the act of it. But if I don't tell people what I do, then who is going to find out what I do? Dilemma....

Until then...

SAVE THE DATE!!!!
Dec. 4, 2010. 7-11 pm. Stone Creek Bar. 140 E. 27th St, New York, NY 10016.
A.H. Dance Company Annual Holiday Fundraiser.
Celebrate my 27th birthday. (I turn 27 this month on the 27th! - in lieu of gifts, I'm asking for donations to help fund the tour to China)
A.H. Dance Company turns 3 years old as we go into our 4th season.

New classes!

2010-10-18T21:18:00.000-07:00

I started teaching dance classes in movement improvisation and contemporary dance today. Its a mixed level class on Mondays and Thursdays from 6-8 pm (6-7 pm and 7-7:50 pm). The class is also a jumping point for me to explore my own movement patterns, choreographic process, in addition to teaching others my dance and cultural background. The first class went really well and we had a great time dancing, sweating, and sharing. Each week will explore a new theme so I hope you will join me (if you're in NYC).

Here's a link to the website in case you can't read the very pixelated version above..

Multiple Layers Solo

2010-10-06T19:11:00.000-07:00

Multiple Layers Solo from Alaine Handa on Vimeo.

Fridays At Noon performance on Friday!

2010-09-28T21:18:00.000-07:00

A.H. Dance Company will be performing an excerpt from Chameleon this Friday, Oct. 1 at 92nd Street Y so come out and support us!

For more info please visit:
http://www.92y.org/content/Fridays_At_Noon.asp

Oct 1 Fridays at Noon Season Kick-off

Fridays at Noon starts off its 23rd season with an expanded program featuring 15 companies in a 3-hour mini-marathon of new and favorite works and excerpts. Our eclectic afternoon features works by Susan Cherniak, Julie Fotheringham, Jessica Gaynor, Alaine Handa, Molly Lieber, Johari Mayfield, Meghan McCoy, Darcy Naganuma, Brenda Neville, Leanne Schmidt, Natasa Trifan and Allison Trott.

12-3 pm

Audition for Dancers

2010-09-28T21:12:00.000-07:00

A.H. Dance Company is looking for 2-3 dancers for the 2010-2011 season. Possible touring. Performance Stipend. Rehearsals are Tuesday and Wednesday evenings between 7-10 pm. Modern Dance experience required, cultural folk dance experience a plus but not necessary.

Chameleon is a multi-disciplinary arts project about global citizens. Please visit the project blog for more info about Chameleon: http://tckcckahdanceproject.blogspot.com

If you are bicultural, multicultural, have lived in more than two countries, a third culture kid, or have to constantly explain where you grew up - please apply! Send your resume, headshot, and short bio about your cross cultural experiences or where you grew up. ahdancecompany@gmail.com
For more info about A.H. Dance Company please visit: http://www.ahdancecompany.com

Changing the world through dance | Parenting While Abroad

2010-09-18T12:08:00.000-07:00

Changing the world through dance | Parenting While Abroad

"Alaine Handa is a TCK who has become, in a sense, an ambassador for global nomads everywhere. She is a dancer and choreographer whose most recent show highlighted what life as a global nomad is like. It is a project she had been working on since her second year of college when she realized that Singapore, the place she had considered “home”, had become foreign to her..."
- Lisa Finnegan, Editor of WhileAbroad.com

Another video posted. "Frozen Memories" section from Chameleon

2010-09-14T21:30:00.000-07:00

Chameleon excerpt "Frozen Memories" from Alaine Handa on Vimeo.

Chameleon @ Capital Fringe; Photography by Joe Flood

2010-09-03T08:57:00.000-07:00

Video Interview after Chameleon performance in NYC

2010-08-29T14:02:00.000-07:00

I don't think I've shared this video with you before. I was interviewed on video after the premiere performance of Chameleon in May at University Settlement. Hope you enjoy this!

Toi interviews Alaine Handa Dance Company from Kor Spirit Barlow on Vimeo.

From Expat Arts Journal

2010-08-20T10:05:00.000-07:00

Check out this article!

Living abroad proven to improve creativity

I found this blog via Internations and its all about Expatriates engaging in creative work. I'll definitely put it on my list to submit something about Chameleon to the Expat Arts Journal. I also have to submit my story to the TCK Book Project. le sigh.

Interesting article: No Place like Home?

2010-08-17T13:00:00.000-07:00

I came across this interesting article written by a student at University of Sydney about TCKs:
No Place like Home?

Its a pretty extensive read but there are some poignant viewpoints that is discussed in the article but his ending punchline “No need to explain, we get it.” about going through security and immigration checkpoints at an airport is wonderful!

Little Broadway in the Netherlands

2010-08-08T21:36:00.000-07:00

I was browsing through the Expat Women website and stumbled upon an interview of Tiffany Jansen. An American expat who moved to the Netherlands after she married a Dutchman. She recently launched her successful venture Little Broadway as a way to combine her talents of musical theatre - acting, singing, dancing - with her love of writing and teaching children. Upon reading her profile, I am finding so many similarities between myself and Ms Jansen. I wanted to highlight how amazing that she has found her niche in the Netherlands when she found very little opportunities when she first moved there. By creating her own company of bringing original musicals (she writes the scripts herself!) to the international schools for an after school activity program; she is able to teach, direct, and produce musicals in such a short period of time! As an after school dance educator myself, it is no easy feat to even get kids to stay focused on learning a dance routine for their end of year performance! (Tiffany if you're reading this - Congratulations and hope to hear from you soon!)

Ports 1961

2010-08-05T07:16:00.000-07:00

I was going through my emails (there's quite a back log - esp. when it comes to subscribed emails) and found out about Ports 1961 clothing brand via a Bloomingdales email. Intrigued by the idea that the designer behind this brand fuses multicultural elements to create clothing that represents the sophisticated global soul. I wrote them a quick message via their website to contact me.

They went to Kyoto to shoot their lookbook last fall for their Spring 2010 collection. Their clothes are drape-y and very textural. I don't think the models used for their Bloomingdales.com showcases the clothing very well. Usually drape-y clothing needs to be tried on and will look good on regular women. The models on their website really wear their line incredibly well. I hope this line does well. I look forward to seeing what else they come out with. Check out their website: https://www.ports1961.com

Review in the Washington Post for Chameleon

2010-07-20T15:28:00.000-07:00

Fringe's 'Chameleon' gets past the sociology jargon and into viewers' heads

By Rebecca J. Ritzel for The Washington Post
Monday, July 12, 2010

If an artist set out to create a Fringe show based on a pop-sociology book, you might assume the end result would be a cheeky joke. Consider such tantalizing possibilities as "Malcolm Gladwell in Middle School" or "The Birth Order Book (The Musical!)"

Choreographer Alaine Handa never got that memo. "Chameleon," her ruminative dance/film piece, is inspired by the book "Third Culture Kids," a sociology term for children who, for a variety of reasons -- military, missionary, the global economy -- have been raised overseas. When those kids return "home" and try to readjust, they end up, in Fringe parlance, a little screwed up.

Like the vast majority of multimedia dance performances, "Chameleon" would benefit from some editing. The show opens with a series of amateur documentary interviews, screened on a cratered wall behind the stage of the Apothecary, at 1013 Seventh St. NW. With the buzz of New York cafes in the background, young adults rattle off lists of countries where they spent their formative years.

Between clips, Handa, Jun Lee and Ivilisse Esguerra perform dances with vaguely Asian references. The actual choreography isn't terribly original, but the consistent body carriage is. All three have precise feet but relaxed, elastic upper bodies. In one memorable sequence, Lee kneels prostrate alone on the stage. Her legs hold a yoga pose while her arms churn, shoulders rotating and hands grasping. How do you get comfortable while your body is one place and your brain in another? That's great movement metaphor, and the mark of a work that encourages viewers to think more than the average multidisciplinary Fringe show does.

Performances resume July 23-25.

6:00 pm Friday, July 23
3:45 pm Saturday, July 24
2:15 pm Sunday, July 25

Click here for more info & ticketing info

On the Fringe: The Capital Fringe Festival | Stage | Express Night Out

2010-07-09T11:12:00.000-07:00

Opening night performance yesterday was great! DC audiences are lovely. We still have tickets left for July 10, 23, 24, 25 performances so get them now!
- Alaine

A mention of our performance of Chameleon in the DC Express!
On the Fringe: The Capital Fringe Festival | Stage | Express Night Out

TICKETS ARE ON SALE!

2010-06-25T12:05:00.000-07:00

Photography by Di Zhang

Chameleon is a multi-disciplinary presentation about global citizens who have been exposed to several cultures in their developmental years. Exploring the notions of home, cultural identity and relationships through film, spoken word, theater, photography and dance. Approx. 75 minutes

Venue: The Apothecary

Emily's Solo and Shayna's monologue w/ Emily @ Chameleon; University Settlement from Alaine Handa on Vimeo.

From my friend Tina Quick, she has a new book out and it is now available on amazon

2010-06-17T03:53:00.000-07:00

“The Global Nomad’s Guide to University Transition” by Tina Quick with Foreword by Ruth Van Reken

Now available on Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/Global-Nomads-Guide-University-Transition/dp/1904881211/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1276178714&sr=1-1

and Amazon.co.uk: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Global-Nomads-Guide-University/dp/1904881211/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1276177685&sr=1-1-fkmr0

Third culture kids/global nomads have typically interacted with two or more cultures during their developmental years - those years that shape who they are as human beings. As they go about living their normal highly mobile, cross-cultural lives, they have no clue as to how they are being impacted. But one day they have an experience that wakes them up to the fact that they are different from others. This commonly takes place upon repatriation for college or university when they are surrounded mostly by those who have never ventured away from their home country or culture. What results is the feeling of cultural imbalance, not fitting in, inability to connect with their home-country peers. They feel like a “fish out of water” in their own country. This can lead to isolation and depression.

Now there is a guide book to help these students understand what takes place in re-entry and/or transition and gives them the tools and strategies they need to not only survive but to thrive in the adjustment.

This is the first book written to and for students who have been living outside their “passport” countries but are either returning “home” or transitioning on to another host country for college/university. It addresses the common issues students face when they are making the double transition of not only adjusting to a new life stage but to a cultural change as well. Parents will appreciate the chapter dedicated to how they can come alongside their students, prepare them for the journey and support them throughout this major transition. Families repatriating with secondary school aged children will also benefit as many of the psycho-social adjustment issues apply to them as well.

A video of Anna's and Ivi's Solo

2010-06-15T10:14:00.000-07:00

A video of Anna's solo and Ivi's solo from Chameleon @ University Settlement

Choreography by the dancers in collaboration with Alaine Handa

Each dancer was interviewed to share their cultural story. We worked with imagery, memories of smells, sounds, sights, touch, people, and events to create solos that were unique to each dancer.

Footage taken from Chameleon performance on 5/14/2010 at University Settlement in NYC

Chameleon is supported by the Singapore International Internationale grant from Singapore International Foundation (http://sif.org.sg)

TCK music

2010-06-07T09:14:00.000-07:00

My bf found this on an a cappella forum site (yes, he's an a cappella dork).
This is a TCK group of men living and working in Hong Kong and they are singing both in English and Cantonese.

Famous TCKs - from Wikipedia

2010-06-03T13:12:00.000-07:00

Notable third culture kids

Current US President Barack Obama was born in Hawaii to an American mother and a Kenyan father and spent part of his childhood in Indonesia.
Current Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spent most of his teenage years in the suburbs of Philadelphia, graduating from high school there.
Jared Taylor was born in Japan to U.S. parents, and lived in Japan until age 16.
Former U.S. presidential candidate John Kerry lived in Switzerland as a teenager.
North Korean leader Kim Jung Il was born in the Soviet Union and spent parts of his childhood in China.
Former French Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin was born in Morocco and raised in Venezuela.
One of the giants of English literature Rudyard Kipling was born in Bombay, India, and reported being more competent in the vernacular than his "native" English during his childhood.^[31]
Gerald Durrell grew up in India and Greece.
Uma Thurman grew up in India.
British singer Engelbert Humperdinck was born in Chennai (then Madras), India to a British Army officer and his wife, and remained in India until the family returned to England when he was 10 years old.
Keanu Reeves was born in Lebanon and grew up in Australia
Viggo Mortensen was born in New York City and grew up in Venezuela, Denmark, and Argentina before returning to the U.S. as a teenager.
Current NBA superstar Kobe Bryant, the Philadelphia-born son of professional basketball player Joe Bryant, lived in Italy from ages 6 to 13 while his father played in that country.
David Duke spent part of his childhood in the Netherlands.
Former NBA star and current team executive Steve Kerr, son of American academic Malcolm Kerr, was born in Beirut and spent most of his childhood in various countries in the Arab world, only moving to the U.S. permanently in high school.
Another current NBA player, Wally Szczerbiak, is the son of professional basketball player Walter Szczerbiak; Wally was born in Madrid while his father was playing for Real Madrid, and spent his first several years in Spain.
NBA player Steve Nash was born in South Africa and grew up in Canada.
Zack Kim, Notable guitarist was born in Seoul, South Korea and grew up in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Actor Lee Pace spent a few years of his childhood in Saudi Arabia.
Lead singer of Queen Freddie Mercury was born in Zanzibar to Parsi Indian parents and later lived in the United Kingdom.
Slovenian politician Andrej Bajuk, born in Slovenia, spent his childhood in Argentina, studied in the United States, worked in Paris, before returning to Slovenia in the 1990s.
U.S. Presidential candidate Bob Barr lived in several countries when his father traveled for his job.

Video glimpse of Chameleon Photography Gallery

2010-06-02T20:20:00.000-07:00

Chameleon Photography Gallery at Houston Street Center, 273 Bowery

Photography by Wazha Dube, Albert Gumilang, Mei-Chen Lioe, Michael Mastroianni, Lauryn Ishak

Poems by Edith Södergran, Alex Graham James, Leilani Chan
Spoken Word by Alaine Handa

Thoughts on the premiere of Chameleon in NYC

2010-05-27T20:00:00.000-07:00

The graphic above is courtesy of my publicist Tiffany Carr & her team from Bella's House of PR. We ended up using it for our program cover and is now on our 5x7 flyer that we're currently cooking up for the Capital Fringe Festival in July. More on that later...

I always get a pretty bad case of post-show depression especially after big productions such as the premiere of Chameleon a couple weeks ago. I'm only beginning to fathom how much I worked on the premiere. This includes the many sleepless nights where I worked through the wee hours of the morning to send out press releases, researching grants, writing grants, finding rehearsal space for the following month, watching rehearsal footage, uploading excerpts on vimeo and youtube, updating this blog, adding a twitter account and presence, keeping up with social media networks, expanding the audience reach, talking to people on opposite ends, writing proposals, etc. and the list goes on... That work hasn't stopped b/c Chameleon still lives.

I spent the past week walking around the city, shopping, sleeping in, eating good food, teaching, and more wandering. I got bored towards the end of the week and started working on stuff for Capital Fringe Festival. I finished the press release and have been on the search for a lighting designer. (If you are in the NYC area or DC area and available in July - please contact me ASAP ahdancecompany@gmail.com) I rested that week and didn't show up to dance class until Saturday morning. It always feels good to take dance class, especially if its Stephanie's class and I get to sweat out all the toxins. I've been dancing pretty awesome lately and very happy about it. It feels really good.

I didn't feel so great the first Monday though, the exhaustion really got to me. I had migraines and was feeling jittery all over. A byproduct of traveling, performing, lack of sleep for the weeks before.

Backtracking...

Opening night was wonderful, we had a good showing and the Q+A was so insightful. A majority of the audience stayed until the very end. There were so many TCKs and folks that found out that they were either a CCK or a TCK. (I am so glad to have been able to help you discover that - it truly is rewarding when you combine your background and your resources, talent, and passion; trust me) If there's nothing I can stress enough, is that I truly believe that Chameleon can help educate, entertain, and foster cross-cultural communication among different communities. The arts is such a powerful tool in diplomacy. There was recently an article that was written in the past week in the NY Times about the Diplomacy of Dance.

The technical aspects of putting a theatrical production is precarious and can be difficult to synch up but on Friday evening, both the performance and the tech stuff synched up. Can't wait to see the video from that evening. We picked up our zipcar in Soho and ordered Lombardi's pizza for dinner. Tasted awesome on the drive through New Jersey. I drove halfway through to Delaware so Nick can take a nap before driving the remainder leg. The hotel bed and breakfast in DC was a welcome treat. We were in DC to perform a preview of Chameleon at the Meridian International Children's Festival and lead a five minute workshop with the children in attendance. The audience was receptive, and the children were super adorable. We had a ton of fun performing. The festival staff and the festival itself were crowded with families wanting to find out about each country. A sampling of embassies hosted the festival and I picked up some souvenirs from some of the booths. The festival reminds me of UN day, International Food festivals, and performing at UN Day at my international schools growing up. In a way, it felt very familiar, very cosy, and I felt "home". How ironic.

Fast forwarding...

I'm finally creating some kind of normalcy back in my schedule. I'm plugging forward and want to let you know more about the Capital Fringe Festival.

We have been invited to perform during the Capital Fringe Festival in Washington DC this July.

July 8-25 - Capital Fringe Festival, Washington D.C.

Here are the dates and times we are performing:
Thursday July 8 @ 6pm
Saturday July 10 @ 11am
Friday July 23 @ 6pm
Saturday July 24 @ 3:45pm
Sunday July 25 @ 2:15pm

Venue: The Apothecary
Venue Address: 1013 7th Street NW, Washington, DC 20001

Tickets are $15 and will be available online mid-June via the Capital Fringe website at:
http://www.capitalfringe.com/

If you find yourself in Washington DC this summer, I hope you will join us and come see Chameleon. This is a family-friendly production so come one, come all!

Chameleon - the experience of global citizens

2010-05-04T12:18:00.000-07:00

The Performance Project @ University Settlement presents A.H. Dance Company in Chameleon

Thursday, May 13, Friday, May 14 & Saturday, May 15 @ 7:30pm

Q+A following May 13th performance
Reception and after party following May 15 performance

Ticket prices:

$15 adults/$10 for students and seniors

Tickets are $5 for youth 18 and under

Advance tickets for indicated shows are available at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/98414

Your ticket purchases help subsidize tickets for families in-need and help make the arts accessible for all.

Location: The Performance Project @ University Settlement is located at the corner of Eldridge Street and Rivington Street. F/V to Second Avenue, B/D to Grand Street, J/M/Z to Essex Street.

For more information and to make a reservation for any event, please call 212-453-4532 or e-mail project.audience@gmail.com.

Chameleon combines dance, film, spoken word and visual art to investigate multi-cultural identity and cross-cultural relationships. Rooted in the notion of home, this show draws on the insight and experience of Third Culture Kids: those who have spent a significant period of time in a culture other than their own, creating a new third culture. Suitable for all ages and citizens from around the globe.
http://tckcckahdanceproject.blogspot.com

Choreography by Alaine Handa & dancers
A.H. Dance Company performers: Yoonjung Choi, Ivilisse Esguerra, Alaine Handa, Anna-Louise Herzog, Emily Mercer
Jewelry/Prop design by Natalia Krasnodebska
"The Maid" written and performed by Shayna Padovano
"I am a TCK" film Directed & Produced by Alaine Handa
Photography by Lauryn Ishak, Robert Oandasan, Wazha Dube, Albert Gumilang and more!
With additional performances by Guest choreographer/performer Kirsten Ho, "Inside out and reversible"
"Migrations" by Guest Choreographer, Deepa Dharmadhikari and Guest performers: Deepa Dharmadhikari, Jin-Ming Lai, Katherine Lung, Kurt Blomberg

Pre-show 7:15-7:30 pm: "Over Land and Water" film by Choreographer, Katherine Lung and Filmmaker, Alexander Brown

The Performance Project @ University Settlement seeks to provide innovative artists and diverse audiences with a range of opportunities to connect and enrich their lives. The Project presents innovative music, dance, film/video, theater, and performance art for all generations. The Performance Project is a continuation of University Settlement's longtime commitment to creatively address the needs of the Lower East Side community.

This project is supported in part by Singapore International Foundation's Singapore Internationale grant scheme. http://www.sif.org.sg/

Photography by William Hebert

A busy weekend for us!

2010-05-01T23:54:00.000-07:00

What an exciting weekend!

On Friday, we had our gallery opening at Houston Street Center featuring the photography of Wazha Dube, Albert Gumilang, Lauryn Ishak, Michael Mastroianni, Rob Oandasan and Mei-Chen Lioe.
A shout out to the fabulous performances by AH Dance Company, Shayna Padovano, and Molly Does Not Approve! A BIG Thank YOU to Alison S. from Houston Street Center for organizing everything. And last but not least THANK YOU to all the folks that attended for coming out and supporting us - it was great to meet the NYC Third Culture Kid group and coordinators (Thanks Eddie & Aradhana - you are both awesome!).
The gallery will be up for the rest of the month so if you didn't get a chance to see the wonderful photography please go check it out at Houston Street Center, 273 Bowery (just ask the Univ. Settlement front desk where to go). Hours of operation run Monday through Thursday — 8AM to 10PM, Friday — 8AM to 8PM, and Saturday and Sunday — 9AM to 6PM.

A few blocks up 2nd avenue, Kirsten Ho was representing AH Dance Company by performing her solo at the Tradition in Transition Festival at the LABA Theater on 14th st. Her solo explores what it means to be biracial to her. I got to see it on Saturday and the rest of the festival was fabulous! A shout out to Laura Smith and Lydia Kramer from Intercultural Arts Dialogue for making the performance such a huge success! I really enjoyed the programming. It was also fun to meet more creative TCKs (and dancer/choreographers!)

If you haven't already PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE come to Chameleon on May 13-15, 2010. Here's the info below:

Chameleon Photography opening!

2010-04-21T09:08:00.000-07:00

Unseen Asia: 25 of Asia's most overlooked destinations | CNNGo.com

2010-04-19T22:31:00.000-07:00

Unseen Asia: 25 of Asia's most overlooked destinations | CNNGo.com

From the words of famous TCK, US President Barack Obama

2010-04-18T16:44:00.000-07:00

I come to Berlin as so many of my countrymen have come before. Tonight, I speak to you not as a candidate for President, but as a citizen–a proud citizen of the United States, and a fellow citizen of the world. […] People of the world–look at Berlin! [L]ook at Berlin, where a wall came down, a continent came together, and history proved that there is no challenge too great for a world that stands as one. […] [H]istory reminds us that walls can be torn down. But the task is never easy. True partnership and true progress requires constant work and sustained sacrifice. They require sharing the burdens of development and diplomacy; of progress and peace.
— Barack Obama, Speech in Berlin, Germany, July 24, 2008.

A Citizen of the World indeed!

The Correspondents Program - Glimpse - Your Stories From Abroad

2010-04-18T12:17:00.001-07:00

The Correspondents Program - Glimpse - Your Stories From Abroad

Posted using ShareThis

Upcoming dates!

2010-04-12T19:25:00.000-07:00

April 30th - Photography Gallery Opening at Houston Street Center, 273 Bowery (Whole Foods bldg). Featuring photography by Rob Oandasan, Lauryn Ishak, Wazha Dube, Albert Gumilang, and more! 6-8 pm, Free. Music performance by Molly Does not Approve. Preview performances by A.H. Dance Company, Shayna Padovano, and preview screening of "I am a TCK".

Purchase your tickets for CHAMELEON today!

The Performance Project @ University Settlement presents A.H. Dance Company in Chameleon

Thursday, May 13, Friday, May 14 & Saturday, May 15 @ 7:30pm

Ticket prices:

$15 adults/$10 for students and seniors

Tickets are $5 for youth 18 and under

Advance tickets for indicated shows are available at Brown Paper Tickets

Your ticket purchases help subsidize tickets for families in-need and help make the arts accessible for all.

Location: The Performance Project @ University Settlement is located at the corner of Eldridge Street and Rivington Street. F/V to Second Avenue, B/D to Grand Street, J/M/Z to Essex Street.

For more information and to make a reservation for any event, please call 212-453-4532 or e-mail project.audience@gmail.com.

Chameleon combines dance, film, spoken word and visual art to investigate multi-cultural identity and cross-cultural relationships. Rooted in the notion of home, this show draws on the insight and experience of Third Culture Kids: those who have spent a significant period of time in a culture other than their own, creating a new third culture. Suitable for all ages and citizens from around the globe.

Choreography by Alaine Handa & dancers
A.H. Dance Company performers: Yoonjung Choi, Ivilisse Esguerra, Alaine Handa, Anna-Louise Herzog, Emily Mercer
Jewelry/Prop design by Natalia Krasnodebska
"The Maid" written and performed by Shayna Padovano
"I am a TCK" film Directed & Produced by Alaine Handa
Photography by Lauryn Ishak, Robert Oandasan, Wazha Dube, Albert Gumilang and more!
With additional performances by Guest choreographer/performer Kirsten Ho, "Inside out and reversible"
"Over Land and Water" film by Choreographer, Katherine Lung and Filmmaker, Alexander Brown

The Performance Project @ University Settlement seeks to provide innovative artists and diverse audiences with a range of opportunities to connect and enrich their lives. The Project presents innovative music, dance, film/video, theater, and performance art for all generations. The Performance Project is a continuation of University Settlement's longtime commitment to creatively address the needs of the Lower East Side community.

This project is supported in part by Singapore International Foundation's Singapore Internationale grant scheme.

Sponsors:
Everyday Crochet
i hate this place
Projet F
Aqualia Spa
YOR Health
The Solo Foundation
Go Smile
Holistic Health Fusion
The Skinny
By Natalia
Dance of My Hands Photography
The Luxury Spot
Denizen Magazine
TCKid
Families in Global Transitions
The Field

Expat Exchange - Multiple Realities: Expatriates Using Art to Explore

2010-04-05T10:36:00.001-07:00

Expat Exchange - Multiple Realities: Expatriates Using Art to Explore & Recreate Personal & Professional Identities - expat life, living abroad, expat parents

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soulofbass, a talented TCK musician

2010-04-04T17:58:00.000-07:00

Stop the Clock music video.
Some very TCK-themes covered in the song. Check it out!

First Vlog post ever

2010-03-31T22:08:00.000-07:00

Here it is... MY ARTIST STATEMENT

2010-03-31T01:13:00.000-07:00

Artist Statement

I am attracted to dances that engage people from a sociological context. What do I mean by sociological context? The type of work I actively pursue are pieces that create a sense of community among people from the subject matter which is usually about a very specific group of people. I like to create movement from themes, images, poetry, prose, free writing, and drawing in my rehearsal based on individuals’ experiences. Through these individual stories, I collaborate with the performer to create a movement phrase that is unique to that person. I like to bring in a human element to my choreography. Dancers are human beings and have the tactile sense of touch, smell, hear, taste, and sight. By heightening the senses, the performer is invested in the work and can fully commit to their performance. As an artist, I strive to make my dances accessible to a full range of communities that might otherwise lack the exposure to dance. My hope is that my work can bridge cross-cultural ties between different countries, races, religion, and social standing. I am interested in blending recognizable everyday mundane gestures to more abstract imagery, athletic movement, and dance vocabulary. I like blurring the lines between the improvisational and the choreographed. Breaking cultural stereotyping by bringing light to subjects and themes that engages audiences to think about a social group in a different way, an example from my current work: The Korean dancer performing traditional Korean dance to French accordion music, a Swedish poem, and wearing Indonesian batik inspired sarong.

I am very excited about cross-pollination within the arts and collaborative projects with photographers, jewelry designers, musicians, actors/actresses, playwrights, filmmakers, and visual artists. Art inspires art and I find a lot of creativity and inspiration from other artists because we all speak the language that can transcend cultural misunderstandings, languages, and politics (even if the work has a political undertone). I am currently working with a jewelry designer, several photographers, a musician, an actress, two other choreographers, and I am also dabbling in documentary film to create this Chameleon project. This project is bigger than me, it is about my community, our community, and the International community we live in.

- Alaine Handa

From Media Mind Candy's Canaan

2010-03-26T11:06:00.000-07:00

Visit Media Mind Candy here: http://mediamindcandy.blogspot.com

Why businesses benefit from employing third culture kids (page 3) < Kids | Expatica France

2010-03-25T17:01:00.001-07:00

Why businesses benefit from employing third culture kids (page 3) < Kids | Expatica France

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Tuesdays with US; Free Performance by A.H. Dance Company hosted by University Settlement

2010-03-22T09:43:00.000-07:00

University Settlement at Houston Street Center, 273 Bowery (Whole Foods Building)
www.universitysettlement.org

Spend the afternoon enjoying dance, music, storytelling or theatre. Presented in collaboration with the Houston Street Center at University Settlement, these unique performances will take place every fifth Tuesday of the month, which fall on September 29, 2009, December 29, 2009, March 30, 2010 and June 29, 2010.

Join us for Tuesdays with US Performance Project event--a FREE A.H. Dance Company performance on Tuesday, March 30 at 2:15 p.m. at the Houston Street Center. To reserve your spot call 212-475-5008.

A.H. Dance Company will be showcasing Chameleon; a multi-disciplinary, multi-cultural project about global citizens to foster cultural understanding between cultures and races via the personal stories of global citizens. On March 30th, A.H. Dance Company is performing a preview performance of their dance followed by a Q+A and lecture demonstration on our choreographic process for creating this cultural fusion dance piece. To find out more about Chameleon please the project blog at http://tckcckahdanceproject.blogspot.com

To reserve your spot call 212-475-5008.

My TCK madlibs answers

2010-03-16T17:19:00.000-07:00

Where are you from???

A true global nomad will get this kind of hunted look, and sort of glance away, and go something like, "Well, I was born in Singapore but I've lived in Indonesia, Singapore, and California, my mom's from Indonesia, Singapore, Hong Kong, AND Australia, my dad's from Indonesia, Singapore, London, and Boston, and I'm a citizen of Indonesia but have a Singapore PR and I am ethnically Hakka Chinese with a mix of Japanese. I went to school/studied in Pitzer College, then transferred to UCLA, and majored in World Arts & Cultures with a dance concentration. My boyfriend is from Pennsylvania. I speak English fluently and enough Bahasa, Japanese, and Swedish to order a beer and go shopping. I've moved around so much because my (mom is/dad is/parents are) both TCKs themselves."

hah! That was fun to fill out!

A Global Nomad madlibs

2010-03-08T08:56:00.000-08:00

I found this on the Global Nomad facebook group. I'm sure it would be really interesting for you to fill this out if you're a global nomad.

WHERE ARE YOU FROM????

A true global nomad will get this kind of hunted look, and sort of glance away, and go something like, "Well, I was born in ______ but I've lived in ______, ______, and ______, my mom's from ______, my dad's from ______, and I'm a citizen of ______. I went to school/studied in ______, _______, and _______. My best friend lives in _______, My boy/girlfriend is from______. I speak _______ and ______ fluently and enough ______, _______, _______ and _______ to order a beer and go shopping. I've moved around so much because my (mom is/dad is/parents are) ______." Fill in the above blanks with country names (feel free to add as many more as necessary! or remove one or two), pick mom/dad/both, and name their occupation.

Social Networking from Families in Global Transitions Conference

2010-03-04T22:35:00.001-08:00

I'm at the Families in Global Transitions Conference this weekend and have been live tweeting from the conference in addition to getting some video footage for the folks at FIGT.

You can follow the action @ahdancecompany or Twitter.com/ahdancecompany

Be sure to do a saved search for #FIGTconf to find out what others say!

I will also try live streaming my session on Saturday morning 10:30 (TX time - 11:30 EST) http://www.ustream.tv/channel/figt-conference

A Review of Chameleon from our APAP Showcase last month!

2010-02-24T20:59:00.000-08:00

http://ballet-dance.com/201002/articles/ahdance_chameleon_20090108_dombroski.html

A.H. Dance Company

'Chameleon'

by Victoria Dombroski

January 8, 2010 -- Dance New Amsterdam, New York, NY

The A.H. Dance Company performed a piece of work entitled “Chameleon” at the APAP Conference Showcase at Dance New Amsterdam. This piece choreographed by Alaine Handa incorporated both dance and film to carry out a variety of notions dealing with children growing up in various countries all over the world, more than likely due to the careers of their parents demanding travel. The title of the piece “Chameleon” was perfectly proper, as it was about fitting in wherever one goes. These diverse young adults, who spent their upbringing in many different countries, spoke of issues including homesickness, multi-cultural influences, and race. Overall this amalgamation of film and dance to portray the sense of homesickness and lack of belonging to one culture was remarkable. This piece was able to bring awareness of this topic and lifestyle to an audience with true beauty and creativity.

The presentation started with a film that displayed different young adults talking about their upbringing in different parts of the world. It was fascinating to hear them speak about, for example, growing up in Japan for six years, Fiji for another two years, China for a year and a half, and finally to America, as one discussed. One young woman described herself as having the initial presence of an America, but really the Japanese culture was more in her blood than American culture. When she thinks back to what home truly is for her, she naturally thinks of where she spent most of her time growing up, which in her case was Japan. Another young man, due to his constant travel as a child, was unable to create deep connections with others. For all the speakers, their only constant in life was that they were sure they would have a new home and set of friends wherever they traveled next. Their ability to adapt to constantly changing environments became second nature.

The piece had a consistent flow between the themes in the film and the dancing on stage. At the conclusion of the first section of the film, the dancing started as a solo, using slow hand gestures of circular delicate movements in front of and above the dance’s head that almost created a dream-like atmosphere. Dressed in a Japanese-style dress, the dance moved gracefully with control and intensity about the stage. When she was on the floor she used her fingers to make it appear as a person walking, and created a circle around herself. It seemed to be symbolism for travel around the world and perhaps a wandering soul. As the piece continued with more dancers, voices spoke strongly in the background talking about lost souls not entirely having a home. The term home was considered an ambiguous term due to the constant traveling and adaptation to yet again another place to live. They spoke about this movement as creating happiness and sadness simultaneously. You create friends wherever you go next with ease because you acquire a skill in it from the constant practice, but you know that you have been quickly replaced wherever you just came from.

The dancing seemed to have a bewildered quality to it as the dancers moved their arms about their heads as if in anger and confusion. There was one phrase that was repeated a few times, “Confusion of cultures, uniquely me.” The dancers would look around themselves, searching for something that never quite seemed to be at their grasp. It was a motion of looking for that next new home and place to settle once again. The swaying arms towards the head reminded me of a bubble of confusion and there was a lot of running from corner to corner creating a panicking, uneasy emotion. The dancers would grab at the air in front of them and move through space with no sense of stability and contentment. It was that yearning for more that kept me wanting to watch and see if there would ever be a sense of resolution. The dancers were like feathers on the wind and I liked the dreamlike quality that I felt from it. At one point the dancers were using a hand shaking gesture as they moved quickly in a circle with an edgy and tense quality, reinforcing the overwhelming sensation of always being on the move with a constant change over of people.

Overall this piece was a beautiful representation of a lifestyle that is not commonly discussed or even acknowledged by most. It allowed an audience to learn about and interpret this way of life for themselves through the art of film and dance, thus leaving the audience with a unique perception of the individuals’ lives in relation to their own.

New video posted

2010-02-19T21:13:00.000-08:00

Excerpts from Open Performance on Jan. 6, 2010 from Alaine Handa on Vimeo.

Excerpts from Open Performance hosted by Movement Research on Jan. 6, 2010

RESERVE & PURCHASE YOUR TIX NOW!

2010-02-09T23:09:00.000-08:00

We are in the middle of a snowstorm right now...
What better way than to spend your time making plans for the future...

Come see this project in New York City in May!
(If you're coming from out-of-town, I can even help you find cheap lodging!)

University Settlement has set up the ticketing through Brown Paper Tickets and you can purchase/reserve your tickets here: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/98414
Alternatively you can also do a search for "Alaine Handa" or "Chameleon" on BrownPaperTickets.com

The performances are May 13, 14, 15 @ 7:30 pm each night at University Settlement's Speyer Hall theater.
184 Eldridge St (Corner of Rivington), New York, NY

Watch a preview of Yoonjung's solo below from our tech rehearsal at WAX Works performance this past fall.

WAX Works tech rehearsal, Oct. 25, 2009 from Alaine Handa on Vimeo.

Families in Global Transitions (FIGT) conference in Houston, TX

2010-02-02T18:43:00.000-08:00

Join me at the 12th Annual Families In Global Transition Conference in Houston, TX on March 4-6, 2010

I am thrilled to have been selected to receive one of their prestigious David Pollock Scholarships this year! In addition I was also selected to present & perform at the conference.

Speakers and attendees registered to date will be traveling from: Brazil, Switzerland, France, Japan, Germany, Thailand, Norway, Chile, Iceland, South Africa, Canada, the UK and the United States

And will include: The World Bank, U.S. Department of State, various U.S. American Universities, European Embassy Offices, University of Switzerland, missionary workers, University of Iceland, writers, coaches, U.S. Military Branches, publishers, corporations, MIT, international schools and many more who empower individuals living abroad.

Register today and join me to become a part of this 2010 dynamic worldwide community ready to share cross-cultural education, top research and best practices to support families in global transition across all sectors. And hurry, the $110/night hotel rate only goes until Feb 16th!

Here is the description of my concurrent session at the conference:

The Expat Experience through the Arts (5B)
Alaine Handa

The arts (visual and performing) are used to experience culture as well as a form of communication and therapy. Sometimes when our world is constantly changing and we struggle to keep up, the arts can play a wonderful tool to describe your experiences and feelings in a non-verbal way. This is a lecture/demo with Third Culture Kids in the arts showing their experiences through photography, video, music, drama, and dance.

I will also be screening a short preview of "I am a TCK" film:

A Short Screening of "I am a TCK" (1B)
Alaine Handa

"I am a TCK," directed/produced by Alaine Handa, is a documentary film that includes interviews with third culture kids describing their experiences growing up among worlds, frustrations with non-TCKs upon their return to their passport country, their future plans that are affected by their TCK upbringing, and how they view the world around them. This session is a short screening of the film with a short discussion to address the issues that might happen when moving to a new country or returning "home" and the ways to cope.

Rehearsal Report

2010-01-21T16:13:00.000-08:00

The showcase at the Association of Performing Arts Presenters (APAP) conference on Jan. 8, 2010 went really well. We had a great audience and some folks from InterNations came to the showcase. I decided that week to interlace the dance sequences with the documentary film I've been working on. The interviews I've conducted with Third Culture Kids have spurred a lot of inspiration for the dance. It is amazing to meet and talk to interesting group of Third Culture Kids from all different walks of life. Their stories and experiences are touching and I hope that this project will help them cope with any TCK difficulties they may face. After the showcase, I met some great people who could relate to being a global citizen/multi-cultural/cross-cultural individual and dealing with the same or similar problems that most TCKs face.

Here are the pictures by awesome dance photographer, William Hebert:

The past couple weeks in rehearsal, I've spent working with each individual dancer on their respective solos. Their solo material is created collaboratively between choreographer (me) and the dancer. I had each dancer come up with a prose or poem about a favorite memory they have and then I had them extract specific words out of the original. The original movement phrases were created from those words. I gave specific movement ideas to each individual dancer based on their phrases to formulate a truly individual story that is unique to the dancer. The finishing touch will be interviewing each dancer and juxtaposing their words to their solo.

I hand-picked each dancer not just based on technical ability, I picked each dancer because of her background story. Her cultural upbringing, her personality, her openness to learning about other cultures. It was important to me to have dancers that can relate to the project and invest their time in rehearsal. (Dancers if you're reading this, THANK YOU! You inspire me!) They come from a variety of cultural backgrounds (more on this later...) and it is stunning to see this cultural exchange in rehearsal every week. :-)

Association of Performing Arts Presenters & Open Performance

2010-01-03T21:42:00.000-08:00

We will be showcasing at this year's upcoming Association of Performing Arts Presenters (APAP) on Friday, Jan. 8, 2010 at Dance New Amsterdam, 280 Broadway (entrance on Chambers St) at 9:10-9:30 pm. For more information about the showcase please visit: http://www.dnadance.org/site/performances/apap-2010/friday-1810/

All showcases are free for APAP attendees and the public (limited seating).

If you can't make it on Friday, we will also be showing the dance portion without lights and in the studio at Movement Research's Open Performance Series on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2010 at Dance Theater Workshop's Studios, 219 W. 19th St. For more information about this please visit: http://www.movementresearch.org/performancesevents/openperformance/

Photography by Wazha Dube

2009-12-28T16:34:00.000-08:00

TCK Wazha Dube submitted a series of photographs for this project. Take a look at the sampling below.

All photographs & descriptions are copyright of Wazha Dube

1. Act of God

I wouldn't say I'm a religious person, if anything i'm spiritual. We often spend our lives running around from one pace to the next with few opportunities to stop and 'smell the roses'. When I'm able to capture pictures like this it's hard not to believe in something greater than yourself and even harder to not to stop appreciate the beauty of the world that we live in.

Location: Kane'ohe, O'ahu, Hawai'i

2. Empire State of Mind

I've had the opportunity to live in a series of different countries in everything from a urban to rural area and everything in between. Some say that if you can make it in New York City, you can make it anywhere. Some also say that New York City is the ultimate TCK city... For many TCKs, life is a constant search for somewhere were we can be comfortable without thinking about our moving average, for me NYC is one of those places.

Location: New York, New York

3. Forward into the Unknown

For most of us, we have little to no control over the first eighteen years of our lives. We are often giving a destination and then we're sent into somewhere in the world that can be so foreign from what we're used to it almost feels like another planet. This photo represents the fact that we are so often en-route to the unknown that after a while you just start going with the flow. Just like the river, life is always changing and you won't know where you're actually headed until can actually see the end destination, but even when you get there, it's not the destination that matters but the journey itself.

Location: Yangtze River, China

4. No matter where you go, don't ever forget where you're from...

We spend our lives hopping from one place to the other, adopting more cultures and and histories of countries that we are not part of. So often do we see the beauty of other countries that we sometimes forget what makes the places we actually come from so amazing.

Location: Chobe Game Reserve, Botswana

5. Celebrate Originality

As TCKs, our lifestyles allow us to get along with anybody, whether TCK or Non-TCK. Nevertheless, even with our own TCK peers, we all come from different places, with different backgrounds and different stories. The fact that no one has a life that is an exact copy of our own is always something to be proud of, so it's only natural to be proud of not only our heritage and background but also everything that makes us so different.

Location: Beijing, China

Sign up with iGive and support this project!

2009-12-16T10:27:00.000-08:00

iGive.com is going to attempt to donate $5,000 in just 24 hours to Alaine Handa & dancers and other causes.

For each person who joins iGive using the special link below and does just one web search on our site between now and noon Thursday, They are going to give Alaine Handa & dancers a dollar.

5,000 new members, $5,000. No purchase necessary.

http://www.igive.com/welcome/warm_reg_promo.cfm?m=640482

WAX Works Tech Rehearsal

2009-12-07T17:57:00.001-08:00

WAX Works tech rehearsal, Oct. 25, 2009 from Alaine Handa on Vimeo.

A Global Holiday!

2009-11-19T09:35:00.000-08:00

Promo pictures by Michael Mastroianni

2009-11-16T11:25:00.000-08:00

A couple weeks ago, our multi-talented multi-tasker photographer/company manager came to rehearsal and took some Promo Pictures of us.

All photography belongs to A.H. Dance Company and Michael Mastroianni.

Alaine Handa: An artistic voice for third culture kids

2009-10-31T11:12:00.001-07:00

Alaine Handa: An artistic voice for third culture kids

Posted using ShareThis

SAVE THE DATES!

2009-10-25T22:43:00.000-07:00

A.H. Dance Company will be performing at the 60x60 Festival at the World Financial Center on Nov. 13, 2009 at 12 pm and 7 pm. 60 choreographers & 60 composers are paired at random for 60 seconds of collaboration.

Holiday Fundraiser for this project will be at Stone Creek Bar & Lounge on Dec. 5th, 2009 from 7-10:30 pm. There will be amazing raffle prizes. More details coming up soon!

Association of Performing Arts Presenters (APAP) conference in New York City. A.H. Dance Company will be doing a short segment of this project (Dance & film) at Dance New Amsterdam on Jan. 8, 2010 from 9-9:30 pm

A.H. Dance Company & University Settlement will present this project on May 13-15, 2010.
More details will be added at a later date.

Enjoy the pictures from our performance at the Long Island Pirate Festival in September 2009!

Photography is copyright of Di Zhang (http://www.dizhangphoto.com)

A solo of many layers

2009-10-22T08:22:00.000-07:00

Solo #1 from Alaine Handa on Vimeo.

This solo is a mixture of different cultures. Korean traditional dance are mixed into the modern dance vocabulary. The costume that my dancer, Yoonjung Choi will be wearing is a Indonesian inspired Batik wrap around skirt. The spoken word in the music is from David C. Pollock and Ruth Van Reken's book Third Culture Kids. There is also a Swedish poem by Edith Södergran. She is also dancing to French accordian music from the soundtrack of Amelie.

Rehearsal # 4

2009-10-14T22:26:00.000-07:00

Rehearsal # 4 from Alaine Handa on Vimeo.

Here's a short section for "Memories Revisited" that we've been working on... we'll see what it will evolve into.
Dancers in this video Anna Louise Herzog, Emily Mercer, Ivilisse Esguerra

If the World Were a Village

2009-10-05T10:05:00.001-07:00

Rehearsal # 2

2009-10-01T22:28:00.000-07:00

This is a very rough idea that we created in our second rehearsal.
The two dancers in this video are Emily Mercer and Anna Louise Herzog. We ended up creating this short little duet after writing reflections after reading two poems by TCKs and quotes from TCKs.

Rehearsal # 2 from Alaine Handa on Vimeo.

Michelle Obama tells international audience why the arts matter

2009-09-30T13:58:00.001-07:00

Michelle Obama tells international audience why the arts matter

Posted using ShareThis

Definition & characteristics of Third Culture Kids - courtesy of TCKid.com

2009-09-29T16:57:00.000-07:00

“A third culture kid is a person who has spent a significant part of his or her developmental years outside their parents’ culture." - Ruth Van Reken, David C. Pollock

What are the Characteristics of TCKs?

There are different characteristics that impact the typical Third Culture Kid:

* TCKs are 4 times as likely as non-TCKs to earn a bachelor's degree (81% vs 21%)

* 40% earn an advanced degree (as compared to 5% of the non-TCK population.)

* 45% of TCKs attended 3 universities before earning a degree.

* 44% earned undergraduate degree after the age of 22.

* Educators, medicine, professional positions, and self employment are the most common professions for TCKs.

* TCKs are unlikely to work for big business, government, or follow their parents' career choices. "One won't find many TCKs in large corporations. Nor are there many in government ... they have not followed in parental footsteps".

* 90% feel "out of sync" with their peers.

* 90% report feeling as if they understand other cultures/peoples better than the average American.

* 80% believe they can get along with anybody.

* Divorce rates among TCKs are lower than the general population, but they marry older (25+).
o Military brats, however, tend to marry earlier.

* Linguistically adept (not as true for military ATCKs.)
o A study whose subjects were all "career military brats"—those who had a parent in the military from birth through high school—shows that brats are linguistically adept.

* Teenage TCKs are more mature than non-TCKs, but ironically take longer to "grow up" in their 20s.

* More welcoming of others into their community.

* Lack a sense of "where home is" but often nationalistic.

* Some studies show a desire to "settle down" others a "restlessness to move".

* Depression and suicide are more prominent among TCK's.

Attention all TCKs! (and CCKs)

2009-09-28T00:04:00.000-07:00

I have been interviewing NYC-based TCKs lately and want to extend my invite to the rest of you. The video is for the documentary film I am currently putting together.
Everyone will be credited in the film and programs of course! If you live in the NYC area, I would love to set up a time to interview you in person. In person interviews are much more efficient b/c I also ask other questions in addition to the following questions. I am very interested in YOUR story. If you want to share YOUR story with other TCKs/CCKs this is an outlet for you to do so.

Guidelines:
-Please make sure there is enough light.

-Talk clearly and enunciate every word loudly into an external microphone or the built-in microphone to your camera/computer.

-Fuzzy videos will not be included in the final film.

-Upload all videos to Vimeo.com - sign up for an account, its free. I can download the .mov or quicktime movie version directly from the site.

-Please title the video your name followed by AHDanceCo. example: Alaine Handa AHDanceCo

-Send me the link at ahdancecompany@gmail.com

Here are your list of questions:

1. What is your name?

2. Where were you born?

3. What is your heritage?

4. Where have you lived & how long at each place?

5. What is your definition of "home" and how is it different from those around you?

6. Where do you consider "home" and why?

7. Do you have interests in the following: foreign languages, international
relations, travelling, international politics, different cultures of the
world, etc... Yes/No
If so, do you think your background has helped you develop these interests?

8. What are your thoughts on globalization? Current political situation?

9. How are your thoughts on world affairs different from those around you?

10. Do you plan on incorporating a large amount of travel with your career?

11. Any last comments to future Third Culture Kids/Cross Culture Kids, any words of wisdom?

Free write & choreographed improv...

2009-09-23T21:27:00.000-07:00

I was at a dance educators seminar held by the City Center here in NY a couple weekends ago and the theme was Nijinksky's Afternoon of a Faun since it is the centennial anniversary of the piece. We had workshops with Mark Dendy and another lady who teaches the repertory of the original Nijinsky ballet. In the afternoon, the City Center hosts came up with exercises to unleash our own personal adaptions and inspirations from the ballet. We had to listen to the music, read the poem, and free writes. I wanted to share my free writes because I ended up writing about birds in flight and travel.

"These flocking swans, these naiads, rather, fly or dive." - Mallarme (Read the whole poem here)

The vast lake of flocking birds fly high into the sky of the blue abyss. Like a giant white cloud they soar through the skies in search of a better place because the winds are changing and the weather is getting cooler. The colder months brings sorrow for those not travelling. Flying to a climate more favorable.

Free write about a time that was a moment of awareness or monumental for you:

Unsettled and constantly pining for memories, I lie awake at night longing for my memories of a home that no longer exists. Friendships I have gained and lost. Returning to an already familiar pattern of constant change. I gather. I seek. I travel. Meeting. Saying good-bye. The cycle of impermanence continues.

Alaine in the Studio from Alaine Handa on Vimeo.

"I am a TCK" (2005)

2009-09-16T23:36:00.000-07:00

This is a mash-up of the project I did as a senior at UCLA's Department of World Arts & Cultures. This project premiered at the Electric Lodge in Venice, CA in May 2005.

The interviews/documentary film, and the dance pieces are being recreated and explored more in depth currently.

My hope is that this current project will bring the cross cultural, multi cultural, third culture kids, cross culture kids, global nomads, bi-cultural, internationally-minded, expatriates, recent immigrants, families, travellers, sojourners, wanderers all together. Its a big dream but I think we can do it.

- Alaine

Author Lauren Weisberger acknowledges TCKs

2009-09-14T09:05:00.000-07:00

Award winning author Lauren Weisberger (#1 New York Times bestselling author of The Devil Wears Prada) acknowledges Third Culture Kids in her book Chasing Harry Winston by introducing one of the main characters to a TCK.

I was reading this "chick-lit" book on my bed a couple nights ago and came across that scene. I hope that the main character ends up meeting more global nomads.
I want to share with you an excerpt.

p.73-78 (highlighted passages which I thought was relevant)

...Paul spoke English with an American accent. He was undeniably born and raised in the States, or perhaps - at the most exotic - Canada. She was bitterly disappointed.

"I'm glad I could help. The first time I stayed here, I was a paranoid wreck. My parents used to drag us all over the world - I practically grew up in hotels - but it only took a day here to make me feel like a bumbling idiot," he said.

"Why did your family travel so much?"
"This is where I should say 'army brat' or 'diplomat's son,' but really, there's not one reason. Mostly my parents are schizophrenic about where they live, and they're both writers. So we were always on the move. I was actually born in Argentina."

"Does that make you Argentinean?"
Paul laughed. "Among other things."
"Meaning?"
"Meaning that I'm an Argentine because I was born in Buenos Aires while my parents were both working on books. We lived there off and on for a couple of years before heading to Bali. My father is English, so I'm automatically conferred UK citizenship, and my mother is French, but their citizenship laws- like their customer service- tend to be tricky, so I've never claimed that one. It may sound interesting, but I assure you, it's a colossal mess."
"It's just that you sound so...American."
"Yeah, I know. I went to American Schools my entire life, literally from kindergarten on, in whatever country we were in. And I went to university in Chicago. It kills my dad that I sound like a born-and-bred American."

Things were quite flirtatious, actually, until Emmy asked - casually, she thought- how Paul felt about kids.
His head snapped up. "Kids? What about them?"

Something about this conversation seemed to remind Paul that he was late for his previously unmentioned plans.
"Yeah, I guess. Listen, Emmy, I'm actually really late meeting up with some friends," he said, staring at his watch.

"Oh. Really? Where's home?" She realized she didn't even know where he lived.

Over Land and Water by Katherine Lung

2009-09-03T01:10:00.000-07:00

Over Land and Water (2009)

Choreographer: Katherine Lung

Filmmaker: Alexander Brown

TCK Voices: Wazha Dube, Alan Garcia, Suzanne Leung, Katherine Lung, Albert Wang, Stephanie Yiu

Dancers: Elizabeth Bernal, Kurt Blomburg, Mallory Dykema, Jin-Ming Lai, Luke Olson-Elm, Duncan Schultz, Renee Starr, Chrysetta Stevens

Music: Clogs, Followed by Ghosts, Unwed Sailor

Special Thanks: Alaine Handa, Ian Knodel, Paula Mann, Aaron Rice, Collin Sherradin, Joanie Smith, Stephanie Yiu, University of Minnesota Theatre & Dance Program, www.denizen-mag.com

TCK & CCK multi-arts project: CHAMELEON

New video posted from Toronto Fringe 2011!

Happy New Year!

You're invited to a party this weekend!

Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving and digested your meals because.... A.H. Dance Company is turning 4!

Artistic Director, Alaine Handa just turned 28!

Its a triple birthday because AHDC dancer, Anne Versluis is turning 28!!!!Many reasons to celebrate...

Most importantly, its that time of year again when we give thanks to all our wonderful supporters by throwing everyone a party at our favorite bar.

Happy Thanksgiving & A Holiday Party invitation

Watch the APAP 2011 Showcase of Chameleon

Alaine Handa of A.H. Dance Company – 2011 Toronto Fringe Dance Interviews

Chameleon (A.H. Dance Company) – 2011 Toronto Fringe Review

NOW Magazine // Stage Listings // Chameleon, The Experience Of Global Citizens

Toronto: We're headed your way!

Canadian Send off party & Benefit Performance

Chameleon 2011 Trailer

Pictures from Cool NY 2011

TCK Photography for Chameleon project by Lauryn Ishak

Meet the dancer: Olivea Shure

More Cultural Chameleons in the community

Chameleon project - TCK arts in the community

Families in Global Transition Conference 2011: Reflections on my sessions

Families in Global Transition Conference 2011 Day One

Families in Global Transition Conference 2010 notes (highlights) AND upcoming 2011 plans

Dancing with props: Rehearsal video from Fall 2010

Alaine Handa will be presenting at Families in Global Transitions Conference March 17-19

Check out the article on Give & Get NYC + Volunteering opportunity w/ A.H. Dance Co.

Pictures from APAP 2011

AEP: MAPPING HOME Group Interview - Kinesis Project - Event #KinesisProject

Send us to foreign lands!

APAP 2011 Showcase information

Meet the dancer: Laura Lamp

Meet the dancer: Ivilisse Esguerra

New Videos posted on Vimeo!

Meet the dancer: Lara Sofia Romero

Meet the dancer: Sheila Klein

Meet the dancer: Heather Wigmore

Meet the dancer: Tsubasa Ogawa

Meet the choreographer/dancer: Alaine Handa

Join us for a Global Holiday Celebration!

We like to win prizes especially for a good cause!

Les Passagers - a movie trailer by Aga Magdolen

How to tour your work abroad - Miguel Gutierrez

New classes!

Multiple Layers Solo

Fridays At Noon performance on Friday!

A.H. Dance Company will be performing an excerpt from Chameleon this Friday, Oct. 1 at 92nd Street Y so come out and support us!

Audition for Dancers

Changing the world through dance | Parenting While Abroad

Another video posted. "Frozen Memories" section from Chameleon

Chameleon @ Capital Fringe; Photography by Joe Flood

Video Interview after Chameleon performance in NYC

From Expat Arts Journal

Interesting article: No Place like Home?

Little Broadway in the Netherlands

Ports 1961

Review in the Washington Post for Chameleon

On the Fringe: The Capital Fringe Festival | Stage | Express Night Out

TICKETS ARE ON SALE!

Chameleon is a multi-disciplinary presentation about global citizens who have been exposed to several cultures in their developmental years. Exploring the notions of home, cultural identity and relationships through film, spoken word, theater, photography and dance. Approx. 75 minutes

Venue: The Apothecary

From my friend Tina Quick, she has a new book out and it is now available on amazon

A video of Anna's and Ivi's Solo

TCK music

Famous TCKs - from Wikipedia

Notable third culture kids

Video glimpse of Chameleon Photography Gallery

Thoughts on the premiere of Chameleon in NYC

Chameleon - the experience of global citizens

A busy weekend for us!

Chameleon Photography opening!

Unseen Asia: 25 of Asia's most overlooked destinations | CNNGo.com

From the words of famous TCK, US President Barack Obama

The Correspondents Program - Glimpse - Your Stories From Abroad

Upcoming dates!

Expat Exchange - Multiple Realities: Expatriates Using Art to Explore

soulofbass, a talented TCK musician

First Vlog post ever

Here it is... MY ARTIST STATEMENT

From Media Mind Candy's Canaan

Its a triple birthday because AHDC dancer, Anne Versluis is turning 28!!!!
Many reasons to celebrate...